A group of former agricultural leaders and USDA officials says financial conditions in farm country have reached a crisis point. The group, Restore American Agriculture, has launched a website allowing farmers and ranchers to share how trade, budget and regulatory policies are affecting their operations. Former National Corn Growers Association CEO Jon Doggett says some commodity organizations may be reluctant to publicly criticize administration policies because they fear retaliation.

Former Renewable Fuels Association President Bob Dinneen says farmers want profitable markets rather than continued government assistance. Iowa farmer and former Corn Growers President Pam Johnson pointed to higher diesel and fertilizer costs along with declining farm income. Johnson says projections indicate farmers could struggle to make money for the next two years. The group says its goal is to give producers a greater voice in the national discussion surrounding agricultural policy.

By: NATHAN STUEDLEA group of former agricultural leaders and USDA officials says financial conditions in farm country have reached a crisis point. The group, Restore American Agriculture, has launched a website allowing farmers and ranchers to share how trade, budget and regulatory policies are affecting their operations. Former National Corn Growers Association CEO Jon Doggett says some commodity organizations may be reluctant to publicly criticize administration policies because they fear retaliation.Former Renewable Fuels Association President Bob Dinneen says farmers want profitable markets rather than continued government assistance. Iowa farmer and former Corn Growers President Pam Johnson pointed to higher diesel and fertilizer costs along with declining farm income. Johnson says projections indicate farmers could struggle to make money for the next two years. The group says its goal is to give producers a greater voice in the national discussion surrounding agricultural policy.

Former farm leaders warn of rural economic crisis