In the world of American agriculture, political loyalty often leans heavily toward one side of the aisle. Farmers, particularly in rural heartlands, have historically voted in large numbers for Republican candidates, drawn by promises of deregulation, tax cuts, and a focus on traditional values. Yet, this allegiance can sometimes obscure a critical truth: political parties, regardless of their rhetoric, don’t always prioritize the needs of the agricultural community. For farmers, adopting a non-partisan stance when advocating for their interests isn’t just practical—it’s essential. Blind loyalty to any party risks sidelining their needs in favor of the agendas of big donors and corporate interests, who often hold more sway over politicians than grassroots voters.
The reality is that farming is a unique industry, one that depends on factors far beyond the control of any single administration—weather, global markets, and fluctuating commodity prices, to name a few. Policy decisions, however, can make or break a farm’s survival, from trade agreements and subsidies to environmental regulations and labor laws. While Republican platforms may align with rural values on paper, the execution of those promises often falls short when large donors—think agribusiness giants, gas and electric companies, or Wall Street—take precedence. Democratic administrations, too, can overlook farmers’ needs, prioritizing urban constituencies or environmental policies that don’t always account for the practicalities of working the land. In either case, assuming “our guy” will automatically deliver for agriculture is a gamble farmers can’t afford to take.
Take, for example, the trade wars of the late 2010s. Tariffs imposed under a Republican administration were touted as a way to protect American industries, including agriculture. Yet, the retaliatory measures from countries like China devastated soybean farmers, who saw export markets dry up overnight. Billions in federal aid were offered as a Band-Aid, but many farmers would argue it didn’t fully offset the long-term damage. On the flip side, Democratic-led climate initiatives, while well-intentioned, can impose regulations that increase costs for farmers without providing adequate support for transitioning to sustainable practices. In both scenarios, the interests of farmers were secondary to broader political goals or the demands of influential donors. Party loyalty didn’t guarantee results.
This is why farmers must remain vigilant and non-partisan in their advocacy, regardless of who’s in office. When “their guy” wins, it’s not a signal to sit back and trust the system—it’s a call to double down. Politicians need to be held accountable to their base, not just their checkbooks. Complacency risks letting agriculture slip down the priority list, especially when urban voters and corporate lobbyists dominate the conversation. Active engagement—through trade associations, direct lobbying, or public campaigns—ensures that farmers’ voices are heard, whether it’s a Republican pushing tax breaks for corporations or a Democrat championing renewable energy mandates.
A non-partisan approach also opens doors to bipartisan solutions. Agriculture isn’t a red or blue issue—it’s a national one. Issues like infrastructure (think rural broadband or transportation networks), water rights, and workforce shortages cut across party lines and require cooperation. By focusing on their specific needs rather than a team jersey, farmers can build alliances with lawmakers from both sides who might otherwise be dismissed as “the opposition.” This pragmatism has paid off in the past: the Farm Bill, a lifeline for many in the industry, has historically relied on bipartisan support to pass.
Ultimately, farmers are stewards of the land and the economy, not pawns in a political game. Their livelihoods depend on policies that work, not promises that sound good on the campaign trail. Staying somewhat non-partisan doesn’t mean abandoning principles—it means recognizing that no party has a monopoly on good ideas or bad ones. It’s about keeping the pressure on, holding leaders accountable, and ensuring that agriculture’s needs aren’t drowned out by the noise of partisan politics or the influence of deep-pocketed donors. When the dust settles after Election Day, the real work begins—not in celebrating a victory, but in making sure the winners deliver.