Michigan Farm Bureau is urging members and supporters to contact their members of Congress as farmers across the state continue to face significant financial pressure, despite recent federal assistance efforts.
Members can send a message to their federal lawmakers at https://bit.ly/MIFarmAid or by texting MIFARMAID to (855) 374-5673. A prewritten message is provided, but personalized comments are encouraged.
According to an American Farm Bureau Federation Market Intel report, U.S. agriculture has experienced more than $50 billion in net losses over the past three crop years, even after accounting for federal aid. At the same time, operating costs remain well above pre-2021 levels, with interest expenses up more than 70%, labor costs nearly 50% higher, and fertilizer and fuel prices still substantially elevated.
“These numbers show just how stressed the farm economy remains,” said Jacob Smith, Michigan Farm Bureau’s national legislative counsel. “While Congress has recognized the challenges farmers are facing, recent proposals have fallen short of delivering comprehensive relief.”
Michigan’s agricultural sector mirrors national trends. From dairy and row crops to specialty crops such as apples, cherries, blueberries, vegetables, and sugar beets, producers are grappling with tight margins, rising costs, labor challenges and continued market uncertainty.
While USDA assistance programs implemented over the past year have provided some support, the AFBF Market Intel analysis indicates they do not close the gap between elevated input costs and weakened farm revenue. In addition, some sectors — particularly specialty crops — were not fully included in recent assistance packages and lack access to many traditional farm safety-net tools.
“That uneven coverage is part of the concern,” Smith said. “Specialty crop growers are an important part of Michigan agriculture, and when relief efforts don’t reflect the diversity of our state’s production, financial strain persists across the entire farm economy.”
Smith noted that uncertainty in Congress has made it difficult to advance longer-term solutions, underscoring the importance of near-term engagement from farmers and ranchers.
“With major farm policy decisions still unresolved, it’s critical that lawmakers hear directly from farmers about the real-world impacts of ongoing losses and rising costs,” he said. “Immediate action can help stabilize the farm economy while Congress works toward broader reforms.”
Michigan Farm Bureau’s action request calls on Congress and the administration to provide immediate economic assistance that reflects the full scope of agriculture, ensuring all sectors — including those not fully addressed in prior programs — can remain viable.