In a staggering blow to American agriculture, U.S. farm exports have plummeted by an alarming 94% in just the first two months of 2025, signaling the onset of a profound agricultural crisis. This catastrophic decline is primarily driven by escalating tariffs on Chinese imports, a key market for U.S. farmers, particularly those in the sorghum sector. Once a vibrant lifeline for farmers in Kansas and Texas, sorghum exports to China have nearly vanished, dropping from over 1.4 million tons to a mere 78,316 tons. The silos that once brimmed with bountiful harvests now stand as grim monuments to lost opportunities, filled with grain that no one wants.

The Trump administration’s decision to not only maintain but increase tariffs has sent shockwaves through the agricultural community. Farmers like Dan Atkinson have seen their contracts evaporate, leaving them in dire straits as domestic demand fails to compensate for the lost revenue. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that domestic sorghum stocks ballooned by 42%, pushing prices down and leaving farmers scrambling for solutions. With the planting season upon them, many face the impossible choice of sowing sorghum and hoping for a miracle or switching to other crops that are also under threat.

The crisis extends beyond sorghum. U.S. wheat exports have also faced catastrophic declines, with cancellations outpacing new sales as international buyers turn to more stable suppliers. The ripple effects are profound, with local banks tightening credit and farmers grappling with soaring input costs. As the agricultural sector teeters on the brink, the specter of mass bankruptcies looms large.

This is not just a crisis for farmers; it threatens the very fabric of rural America. If immediate action is not taken, millions of farms could face catastrophic fallout, dragging down local economies and threatening food security. The time for decisive action is now—Congress must intervene to provide support and restore international buyer confidence before the agricultural landscape is irreparably altered. The stakes have never been higher, and the future of American farming hangs in the balance.