A local distillery in small-town Swisher, Iowa, was the host site for an important discussion between farmers and Iowa ag industry leaders about the impact of President Trump’s tariffs on small family farms. And Cedar Ridge Distillery wasn’t just the venue- CEO Jeff Quint was also one of the featured panelists, as his business has also seen significant consequences from the current administration’s trade policy. Brian Kuehl, executive director of Farmers for Free Trade, said a fifth of total farm revenue is generated by exports.
Kuehl said the panelists brought a variety of ag expertise with them.
A common slogan for the current trade policy is “short-term pain for long-term gain,” but Kuehl said many small family farms won’t be able to hold out long enough to see any of those potential benefits.
Office representatives for Sens. Ernst and Grassley were also in attendance. Kuehl said it’s important for our political representatives to hear about how these tariffs are impacting hardworking Iowa farmers.
Kuehl added that they will continue to host these town hall events across the country.
To stay updated on where the next town hall will be, visit farmersforfreetrade.com.
