Farmers might lean right, but their news leans left.
The political leaning of farmers has traditionally been seen as predominantly conservative or right-leaning. However, when you turn to the news narratives surrounding agriculture, there appears to be a noticeable leftward tilt. This discrepancy raises questions about the representation of agricultural issues in the media and how it aligns with the views of those who work the land.
Historically, farmers have leaned towards conservative politics. This might be attributed to values like self-reliance, limited government intervention, and a focus on traditional methods of farming. They support supported policies that favor deregulation, tax relief, and ag subsidies, which have often been championed by Republican politicians. These policies are seen as beneficial for maintaining profitability in an industry fraught with natural and market uncertainties.
However, the media that serves these farmers is often at adds with rural values. If you tune into the agriculture news, you might be forgiven for thinking you’ve accidentally tuned into a progressive think-tank symposium. The media’s focus on left-leaning policies might not resonate with the practical, often conservative-minded, realities of farming life.
Agriculture news today often reads like a script from a climate activist’s playbook. About every other report seems to come with a side of “sustainability” and a good helping of “climate change is the greatest threat to farming.” While there are some mainstream conservatives who agree with the talking points about man-made climate change, the coverage by ag media often frames things in a manner that aligns with progressive environmental policies like the Green New Deal, which proposes sweeping changes to energy and environmental policy. This makes some ag sites read like cheerleaders for Democrats.
There’s a serious debate on whether the solutions proposed by left-leaning policies are needed, practical or economically viable for farmers. Many farmers do not want to fill their fields with solar panels, windmills, carbon pipelines, or “sustainable” sewage sludge (full of forever chemicals), no matter how much they’re told it’s going to save the environment. Many farmers will be in the red this year, and unfortunately the capture of the federal government (and therefore the USDA) by people pushing the “green” agenda means that if farmers want certain government subsidies, they have to go along with “climate-smart” programs, regardless of whether or not this aligns with their priorities.
The Biden administration’s move via the USDA to allocate $2.2 billion for racial reparations in farming has been a focal point. This initiative’s stated aim is to rectify historical discrimination, but it has stirred a debate. Many media outlets have portrayed this as a necessary step towards equity, emphasizing social justice themes. Conversely, there’s criticism from some quarters, including farmers themselves, who might view it as divisive or question its efficacy in solving broader agricultural issues. Vice-presidential candidate J.D. Vance received a lot of criticism for daring to speak out against what he described as “disgraceful” discrimination against White farmers.
The general push for DEI in agriculture has seen increased coverage. There’s concern among some farmers that these initiatives might overshadow other pressing needs like market stability, technological access, or the preservation of traditional farming practices. The move to drastically transform society, making every space more “diverse,” does not directly address farmers’ immediate concerns. It’s like telling farmers they need to diversify their crops for the sake of diversity, not necessarily for yield or market demand. It’s for “the greater good.”
There’s a growing perception among some farmers, and rightly so, that their media does not accurately reflect their views or priorities, focusing instead on broader political agendas. This has led to a trust gap, where farmers might feel their voices are less heard or represented in the national conversation about agriculture. While environmental and social concerns are important to some, the economic realities for farmers—dealing with fluctuating commodity prices, trade policies, and operational costs—sometimes take a backseat to the “liberal” agenda. The farmer’s primary job is to grow food, and that requires an economic model that works.
The agricultural sector stands at a crossroads where political ideologies meet practical realities. While media coverage tends to lean left, there’s a call from within the farming community for a narrative that also encompasses their economic survival, the preservation of their way of life, and a balanced approach to environmental stewardship. This is why it is so crucial for independent outlets like AgroWars, and others not beholden to left-wing interests, to continue to grow and make our voices heard.