Senator Tom Cotton, an Arkansas cattle farmer turned senator, has raised the alarm over a crisis threatening American agricultural communities. In a recent op-ed, Cotton attributed the struggles of farmers to former President Joe Biden’s economic policies, citing rising input costs, low commodity prices, and high borrowing costs as key factors. He emphasized the urgent need for immediate relief, pointing out that the Working Families Tax Cut, a major farm bill reform introduced by his colleague, Sen. John Boozman, will only take effect in 2026. This delay, Cotton warned, means many farmers in the current crop season will not benefit from recent commodity price increases.
Cotton highlighted the dire situation in Arkansas, where cash crop receipts are projected to drop by $617 million in 2025, and input costs are at their highest in 25 years, squeezing profit margins for many. He also criticized communist China’s role in undermining U.S. soybean exports and expressed hope that the recent announcement of China’s intended purchases can be verified to ensure fair trade practices. He called for immediate action to support farmers and ensure the sustainability of family farms for future generations.
Cotton stressed the importance of food security as a national security issue, noting that adversaries would aim to destabilize the agricultural sector by targeting farmers. He also reached out to President Donald Trump, emphasizing the need for continued support and cooperation to bridge the gap between the current crisis and the implementation of the Working Families Tax Cut. This effort, Cotton argued, is crucial not only for the survival of family farms but for the health of the entire U.S. economy.