A new national survey conducted by Farm Journal shows many U.S. farmers are increasingly concerned about rising costs, trade pressures, and federal policy heading into the 2026 midterm elections. The Farmer & Rancher Policy Sentiment Survey questioned farmers and ranchers across 44 states in April. According to the poll, 78 percent of respondents identified machinery and input costs, including fertilizer, fuel, seed, and chemicals, as one of the top challenges facing their operations.
The survey also found 94 percent of farmers said the war with Iran is affecting their operations through higher fertilizer or energy costs. Trade policy and tariffs ranked among the top concerns for 25 percent of respondents. More than half of those surveyed said federal policies negatively impacted their farms during the past year, while 73 percent said elected officials do not understand the realities farmers face. Researchers said the findings indicate growing political frustration among a traditionally Republican-leaning voting bloc.
-NAFB