President Donald Trump has announced a $12 billion farm aid package to help producers hurt by tariff-related market disruptions, including China’s boycott of U.S. soybeans. The plan offers one-time, per-acre “bridge payments” funded by tariff revenues, with $1 billion set aside for specialty crops. Payments are capped at $155,000 per recipient and expected by February, according to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.
While some farmers welcome the relief, many in South Dakota say they prefer stronger trade deals over bailouts.
At the South Dakota Farmers Union meeting, National Farmers Union President Rob Larew warned that unstable trade is creating long-term financial strain, with lenders reporting they may deny loans to half their farm customers next year. He urged broader reforms to prevent future crises.
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