Illinois Lawmakers Look For Solutions As Farmers See Financial Troubles Due To Tariffs And Inflation

By Evan Holden

Illinois lawmakers are looking to support farmers who are facing financial challenges because of tariffs, inflation and a more competitive foreign market.

The Trump administration is giving bridge payments to farmers to offset losses from the tariffs, but the payments are not enough for some farmers to offset their losses.

Reid Thompson is a fifth generation farmer from Colfax and eastern McLean County. He grows corn and soybeans with his father.

When talking about tariffs, Thompson said he supports free and fair trade.

The tariffs, he said, have hurt more due to increased competition from South America, where farmers are coming off a record soybean harvest.