Full Breakdown
President Trump Holds Wisconsin Farm Roundtable Amid Rising Input Costs
6/6/2026, 2:56:34 AM
Event & Figures
President Donald Trump arrived in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, on June 5, 2026 for a roundtable at Custer Farms with dairy and grain producers. He was joined by White House spokesperson Liz Huston and Representatives Derrick Van Orden and Tom Tiffany. Senator Tammy Baldwin attended to voice criticism.
Context & Impact
Midwestern farmers face diesel prices over 50 % since February and fertilizer costs about 24 % above a year ago after the U.S.–Iran conflict disrupted shipments. Tariffs on steel, aluminum and heavy-metal goods have narrowed export markets. Wisconsin agriculture generates $116.3 billion annually, supports ~354 000 jobs, and includes ~58 000 farms and >5 000 dairy operations. A Farm Bureau survey found 70 % of respondents could not afford needed fertilizer. The FY 2027 appropriations bill funds agriculture and rural development.
Official Statements
The White House said the roundtable would showcase policies to lower input costs, expand trade, cut regulations and create Rural Opportunity Zones with a doubled estate-tax exemption.
Criticism & Opposition
Sen. Tammy Baldwin said Wisconsin farmers have been “hit really hard” by the administration’s tariffs, trade wars, and the Iran conflict, calling the agenda detrimental to farm profitability.
Local Views & Gaps
Peggy Peters said she “has faith” in the plans but called them “a work in progress.” Dave Pfarr said producers “would love to get China back as a customer” after the trade dispute halted purchases. Urea fertilizer has fallen from record highs yet remains 24 % above a year ago; another source describes prices as “still elevated.” Diesel prices are reported as “more than 50 %” and “51 %,” a variance. The effect of recent tariff cuts on equipment costs is not quantified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “President Trump will return to the Badger State on Friday to highlight his strong support for Wisconsin’s farmers — delivering lower input costs, new trade markets, less red tape, a stronger farm safety net, a doubled death tax exemption, no taxes on rural property loan interest, and new Rural Opportunity Zones.” — Liz Huston, White House Assistant Press Secretary
- “The truth is that Wisconsin farmers have been hit really hard by Donald Trump’s MAGA agenda, by the tariffs, the trade wars, and his totally unnecessary and illegal war in Iran,” — Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis.
- “I have faith in it, you know what I mean?” — Peggy Peters, Chippewa Falls resident
- “We would love to get [China] back as a customer, speaking for producers, because they are a big importer of our proteins, primarily soybeans and soybean meal,” — Dave Pfarr, LeSueur soybean farmer
Next Steps
The roundtable precedes Wisconsin’s midterm contests, including the 3rd Congressional District race. Analysts expect further tax incentives and close monitoring of input-cost trends as the Iran conflict and global trade dynamics evolve.
