Story perspectives

Tennessee Farmers Struggle Amid High Costs, Low Prices

11/11/2025

Summary

Story summary

Tennessee farmers Franklin Carmack and Jeffrey Daniels face severe financial struggles from high input costs and low crop prices.
They have begun selling T-shirts to offset losses and expect nearly $800,000 in combined losses this year.
China halted soybean purchases in retaliation for U.S. tariffs, worsening the farmers' outlook.
U.S. President Donald Trump promised a $13 billion bailout, but farmers say it is insufficient.
Mental health concerns rise among agricultural workers.

History

Historical Context

The Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA) of 1933 was enacted during the Great Depression to stabilize crop prices by reducing production. The U.S. government paid farmers to limit output, resulting in a 25% price increase for certain commodities. Today, Tennessee farmers like Franklin Carmack and Jeffrey Daniels face similar challenges with low prices, exacerbated by international trade tensions, highlighting ongoing vulnerabilities in agriculture.

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Story summary

Tennessee farmers Franklin Carmack and Jeffrey Daniels face severe financial struggles from high input costs and low crop prices.
They have begun selling T-shirts to offset losses and expect nearly $800,000 in combined losses this year.
China halted soybean purchases in retaliation for U.S. tariffs, worsening the farmers' outlook.
U.S. President Donald Trump promised a $13 billion bailout, but farmers say it is insufficient.
Mental health concerns rise among agricultural workers.

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