Trump's Funding Freezes Bruise a Core Constituency: Farmers
Briefly

Skylar Holden, a Missouri rancher, faces severe financial distress after the Trump administration froze federal funding for agricultural projects he relied on. His $240,000 cost-sharing contract was abruptly stalled, forcing him to absorb tens of thousands of dollars in costs while risking his farm. This situation highlights the broader uncertainty plaguing the agricultural sector due to the administration's rapid policy changes. Despite projected recovery in farm incomes, the halted funding jeopardizes billions intended for essential agricultural programs, creating anxiety among rural communities, which represent a crucial voter base for the Trump administration.
Skylar Holden, a cattle rancher in Missouri, emphasized the turmoil caused by stalled federal funding, stating, "Whenever my farm payment comes due, there's a good chance that I'm not going to be able to pay it."
The rapid changes instituted by the Trump administration have created confusion and panic among farmers, with billions in federal funding at risk, affecting core supporters.
As Nick Levendofsky, executive director of the Kansas Farmers Union points out, "Farmers don't need any more uncertainty than they already have," signaling the mounting pressures facing agricultural communities.
The impacts of halted funding are profound; many farmers are already facing declining incomes due to falling crop prices, yet depend heavily on government payments.
Read at www.nytimes.com
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