Pledges to Keep Up the Fight Against Trump’s Reckless Agriculture, Trade, and Economic Policies
AMES, IOWA—U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, today traveled to Ames, Iowa, where he spoke with Iowa farmers and producers at the 110th Annual Iowa Farmers Union State Convention. His remarks focused on the turmoil caused by President Trump’s economic policies, and his fight to support farmers in Vermont, Iowa, and across the country.
“I hear it from Vermont’s world-class farmers, I heard it yesterday in Nebraska, and I heard it today from farmers in Iowa: Farmers ask ‘When are we going to get a Farm Bill?’ But they’re really asking, ‘When are we going to get the Farm Bill we need?’,” said Senator Welch. “Farmers are the backbone of our communities—we can’t have a strong America without a strong rural America. I was honored to speak with Iowans today and listen. It’s clear that if Washington is truly going to support farmers we need to let them farm, and that means open markets and an end to this trade war—which is hurting farmers across the country. I’m committed to making rural America more affordable and stronger—and won’t back down in the fight.”
View photos below:
Senator Welch speaks at the Iowa Farmers Union State Convention
Senator Welch meets with farmers in Iowa
The affordability crisis is causing extraordinary pain in rural America. Iowa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) fell 6.1% in the first quarter of 2025, and row-crop prices have continued to falter throughout 2025 as the Trump Administration’s tariffs (and subsequent retaliation) have closed markets. As in Vermont, farm machinery prices are rising as imported parts and equipment is tariffed. School enrollment is declining, and housing is unaffordable. Iowa will lose $9 billion over the next decade because of the Medicaid cuts enacted in Republicans’ so-called ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’ and rural hospitals are at risk of closing.
Senator Welch has championed legislation to end the trade war, support rural development, and strengthen farms. He is the cosponsor of several bipartisan bills and resolutions to block the Trump Administration’s tariffs on Canada, as well as the global tariffs. Senator Welch has led legislation to ensure farmers have the right to repair their farm equipment, improve crop insurance, and support beginning farmers and ranchers. He is also the sponsor of bipartisan bills to support rural hospitals and build out rural broadband. Recently, the Senate passed his bipartisan bill to support dairy farmers and kids by allowing nutritious whole milk in schools.
In addition to serving as the Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Rural Development, Energy, and Credit, Senator Welch serves on the Senate Finance Committee, Senate Judiciary Committee, and Senate Rules Committee.
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