Indiana farmers frustrated over rising costs, impact of Trump tariffs

Indiana farmers have been heavily impacted by rising costs, trade disputes and the Trump administration's tariffs.

On Wednesday, they explained their concerns to Rep. Frank Mrvan, seeking help in thinking about policies that could make a difference.

In Crown Point, Mrvan hosted the first meeting of the Agriculture Advisory Council for his district, which spans the northwestern corner of Indiana. The council brings together a variety of farmers, producing foodstuffs from corn to pork to vegetables.

Denise Scarborough, a farmer from La Crosse, who also chairs the Indiana Soybean Alliance, said her energy costs are four times more than a year ago.

"Typically in agriculture, I usually see the light at the end of the tunnel, and we're still waiting to see just a glimmer of hope at the end of the tunnel right now," she said.

Matt Hayden from the Indiana Farm Bureau explained the costs of fertilizer, seed, chemicals and fuel have all increased. Mrvan said it’s a top concern he’s heard.

"Universally, the energy costs are through the roof, and people everywhere I go are talking to me about it," Mrvan said.

Soybean farmers like Scarborough were hit hard by trade disputes with China, the largest buyer of soybeans. She said it's still unlikely they'll be profitable this year.

To offset the trade disruptions, higher costs and lower prices, the Trump administration recently announced bridge payments to farmers totaling $12 billion.

"President (Donald) Trump is helping farmers, but he's also hurting farms," Hayden said. "We get some money from the government, but we don't want that money. We'd rather support ourselves than ask for money."

Farmers also questioned whether the payments are enough to make a dent in their losses.

"Some of the payments are supposed to be coming in, but soybean farmers are pretty low on that list, and the amount of money that will produce receiving it doesn't make up for about 64 percent of the losses that we sold in 2025," Scarborough said.

Mrvan asked the farmers what they'd like to see in the next farm bill and potential tariff legislation. The U.S. Supreme Court could make a ruling on the Trump administration's tariffs any day now.

The advisory council will meet each quarter, according to Mrvan’s office.