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The agricultural landscape in Iowa is undergoing tumultuous changes as small farmers grapple with funding cuts from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) under the Trump administration. This situation is particularly disheartening for those who have dedicated their lives to farming but lack the entrenched connections to navigate this shifting terrain. A recent federal ruling has reinstated some grant funding, yet the damage inflicted on initiatives crucial for small-scale producers has left many feeling abandoned.
A Dream Deferred
For Lawrencia Rogers, a small plot of land at the Johnson County Historic Poor Farm represents more than just a farming venture; it embodies a lifelong aspiration. Growing broccolini, lettuce, and beans on this once-abandoned site has been a fulfilling experience for the 33-year-old, who has had a passion for agriculture since childhood. However, her journey took a significant turn when she began a two-year fellowship with Iowa Valley Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D), an initiative funded by the USDA.
“Honestly, it felt like school for farmers,” Rogers reflected. The programme provided her with invaluable resources such as land, equipment, and expert guidance, all while offering a living wage, health insurance, and paid leave. Unfortunately, her fellowship was abruptly halted when, just weeks into the programme, the USDA withdrew a $2.5 million grant, deeming it “wasteful” in light of the administration’s stance against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
The Political Landscape
The political implications of these funding cuts are profound, particularly as Iowa approaches the midterm elections. Historically a Republican stronghold, the state could see a shift as voters begin to question the administration’s commitment to small farmers. The incumbent Republican representative, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, faces a challenging re-election campaign against Democratic contender Christina Bohannan in a district where farming issues are likely to dominate the discourse.
James Nisly, a farmer producing chicken and vegetables south of Iowa City, expressed disillusionment with the current administration, claiming it has turned its back on small producers. He noted a significant reduction in his cash flow after the USDA cancelled a programme that had previously supported local food purchases for schools and food banks.
Shifting Policies and Agricultural Turmoil
With agriculture contributing significantly to Iowa’s economy—accounting for a third of its output and providing one in five jobs—the ramifications of these policy shifts are extensive. The trade war initiated by the Trump administration, alongside rising costs due to international conflicts, has compounded the struggles faced by farmers in the state. A staggering 18 farms declared bankruptcy in 2025, marking a 220% increase from the previous year, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation.
The USDA’s role in stabilising the agricultural sector has diminished under Secretary Brooke Rollins, with a reported loss of 20,000 employees since Trump’s return to office. This reduction in staffing and funding has disproportionately affected small farmers, who rely on various programmes for survival. Anna Pesek, who raises poultry and flowers, articulated the frustration felt by many in the sector: “The continued cancelled funding… is the cherry on top for many organisations and farmers that are already up against really hard times.”
The Future of Farming in Iowa
The fellowship that Rogers was part of was designed as a response to historical inequities in agriculture, aiming to create pathways for underserved producers, including military veterans and aspiring farmers with limited resources. Despite its intent, the programme was branded as a DEI initiative, a label that has sparked controversy and confusion. Rogers, alongside her fellow trainee, both qualified for the programme based on merit, not background.
Matt Russell, a former USDA official under the Biden administration, underscored the importance of diversifying Iowa’s farming community. “Can we get more farmers, can we get more Americans farming?” he questioned, highlighting the urgent need for change in a state where the average farmer’s age hovers just below 58.
As Rogers reflects on her journey, she cannot ignore the abruptness of the changes that have interrupted her dreams. “I have never had a decision on such a level impact my life literally overnight in such a drastic way,” she stated, emphasising the need for more vocal advocacy within the farming community.
Why it Matters
The plight of small farmers in Iowa is a microcosm of larger agricultural challenges facing the United States. As funding cuts threaten the livelihoods of those who strive to cultivate sustainable practices, the implications stretch far beyond individual plots of land. The outcome of these policies may influence voter sentiment and shape the future of farming, potentially altering the balance of power in a state that has long been a cornerstone of American agriculture. The decisions made today will resonate across communities, impacting food systems and economic health for generations to come.
