In a recent op-ed published by The Boston Globe on May 27, 2025, Iowa farmer and Global Farmer Network member Tim Keegan, Iowa, shares his perspective on the impact of tariffs on agriculture. Despite acknowledging that tariffs may hurt his own farm’s bottom line, Keegan expresses support for former President Trump’s trade policies, citing broader alignment with his views on energy, regulation, and taxation.
Keegan describes the inherent uncertainty of farming—weather, markets, and now trade policy—as part of the job. He emphasizes that while trade is vital to his operation, especially for soybeans and beef, he’s willing to endure short-term pain for what he sees as long-term gains. He also reflects on the role of government subsidies and trade interruption payments, noting that while helpful, most farmers prefer open markets over aid.
Ultimately, Keegan’s message is one of resilience and adaptability—core values he believes define the farming profession.
This summary is based on an article by Tim Keegan, originally published in The Boston Globe on May 27, 2025. Read the full article here.
