Weather, Politics, and Global Markets: The Realities Facing American Farmers
Hagen discusses the toll of wet conditions and early frost on his corn and soybean crops, while also addressing the global shift of China buying soybeans from Brazil—and what that means for U.S. farmers caught in volatile international markets. The conversation digs into the failures of reactionary politics that lead to poor agricultural policy, and questions how much freedom and flexibility farmers truly have when dependent on subsidies and unlimited crop insurance caps. Hagen also shares insight on the soaring price of farmland, explaining how it’s made it harder for young and independent farmers to stay competitive. Wrapping up, the two reflect on the government shutdown and Senator Rand Paul’s political stances, asking whether Americans are becoming disillusioned with politics altogether.
