In the ever-shifting landscape of American politics, it’s easy for folks to get lulled into complacency once their preferred candidate takes office. But for farmers, whose livelihoods depend on policies that can make or break a season, this is a luxury we simply cannot afford. At AgroWars, we believe that advocacy for agricultural interests must be relentless, regardless of who’s sitting in the White House or which party holds the reins in Congress. Whether you voted red, blue, or otherwise, the fight for a fair playing field and support for family farms doesn’t end on Election Day.
Farmers, as a group, lean more conservative than many other demographics. That’s no secret. Rural America has long been a stronghold for Republican values, emphasizing hard work, self-reliance, and limited government intervention. Yet, it’s crucial to recognize that the interests of the GOP and its billionaire backers don’t always align perfectly with those of everyday family farmers. Big agribusiness corporations, with their vast resources and lobbying power, often push agendas that prioritize profits over people. Policies favoring massive subsidies for industrial operations or trade deals that flood markets with cheap imports can squeeze out smaller producers. If we only cheer when “our guy” is in power and stay silent on disagreements, we risk letting these misalignments erode the very foundations of independent farming.
This partisan trap is all too common. People often “go to sleep” once their favored leader is elected, assuming that all will be well. But history shows otherwise. Even if you agree with 90 percent of a party’s platform, that remaining 10 percent could be devastating to your operation. For instance, tariffs that protect one sector might harm another, or environmental regulations could be dialed back in ways that threaten long-term soil health. Blind loyalty leads to overlooked opportunities for improvement. Farmers must stay vigilant, calling out policies that don’t serve us, no matter the source.
And let’s address the elephant in the room, which is the fear of criticism. In tight-knit rural communities, diverging from the party line can earn you labels like “liberal” or worse. But standing up for what’s right isn’t about ideology; it’s about survival. If a Republican-led initiative favors corporate consolidation over family farms, speaking out doesn’t make you disloyal. It makes you a protector of your heritage and future. We’ve seen this play out time and again, where challenging the status quo invites backlash, but silence invites decline.
Here at AgroWars, we’ve experienced this firsthand. Recently, a subscriber unsubscribed, accusing us of being “leftists” because of our coverage on certain issues. This came despite our consistent criticism of Biden, Kamala Harris, the climate change narrative we view as overblown, race-based reparations in agriculture, and numerous other core elements of the Democratic agenda. Our goal isn’t to toe any party line; it’s to shine a light on threats to farming from all sides. We critique where critique is due, praise where praise is earned, and always prioritize the truth over tribalism.
At the end of the day, we need to be on Team Farmer first and foremost. That means building coalitions across aisles when possible, holding leaders accountable without exception, and never letting partisan blinders obscure our vision. Your voice as a farmer is powerful, forged in the fields and informed by generations of experience. Use it boldly, every day, no matter who’s in office. The harvest of tomorrow depends on the advocacy of today.