Montana Farmers Face New Challenges from Tariffs

Tariff Changes Impact Montana Wheat and Lentil Exports to Key Markets

Montana’s agriculture industry is feeling the pressure as new tariffs between the United States and major trading partners threaten the state’s top exports. Farmers are particularly concerned about declining trade conditions with China and Canada, which could significantly affect wheat, lentil, and beef markets.

Montana ranks third in U.S. wheat production, with over 5 million acres planted and consistent billion-dollar sales.

Around 80% of its wheat is exported, mainly to Asia-Pacific countries. However, new tariffs could disrupt these flows, similar to the 2018 trade war that saw federal subsidies increase by $140 million to offset losses.

Montana is also the leading producer of lentils in the country. With 720,000 acres planted and $226 million in sales in 2024, many lentil farmers along the Canadian border rely on Canada as a preferred buyer. Now, they face uncertainty as Canada’s retaliatory tariffs rise, and a new round is expected in April.

“China got busy and started building ports, railroads and distribution networks in our competitors’ backyard,” said Walt Schweitzer, President of Montana Farmers Union. He noted that China turned to countries like Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina during the 2018 dispute, reducing demand for U.S. products.

Beef exports also face complications. While the impacts are harder to track than crops, the U.S. Meat Export Federation estimated $8.4 billion in red meat exports in 2024. Montana ranchers may see reduced returns as trade with Canada, Mexico, and China becomes unstable.

Sen. Steve Daines remains supportive of President’s trade approach, stating, “Ag is Montana’s number one economic driver… I’ll continue fighting for them in Washington.” Gov. Greg Gianforte also defended tariffs as a negotiation tactic to address fentanyl and trade fairness.

Farmers worry that more tariffs could drive competitors to plant wheat, increasing supply and lowering prices. With global markets shifting and uncertainty ahead, Montana’s agricultural future remains in a delicate balance.