Mike Rogers claimed last month “working families [are] not paying more” because of the chaotic tariffs he supports

LANSING — The chaotic tariffs championed by failed GOP Senate candidate Mike Rogers are now putting Michigan farmers “in a world of hurt” as they face down “increased costs and shrinking markets” that threaten to “slash profits.”

Price Hike Mike was caught on tape last month saying there is “no appreciative inflation” and that “working families [are] not paying more” because of the chaotic tariffs he supports. This came after Rogers was caught at a campaign event “making fun of those who worry about higher prices” and arguing that they are “worth the financial strife being put on the American people.”

“Mike Rogers’ chaotic tariffs are crushing Michigan farmers: spiking costs, shutting off markets, and pushing multi-generational family farms toward bankruptcy,” said Michigan Democratic Party spokesperson Joey Hannum. “While Michigan farmers worry if their businesses will survive, Mike Rogers mocks them and denies they’re paying more because of his failed Price-Hike Agenda.”

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WJRT: Rising tariffs slash profits for Mid-Michigan farmers

• Local farmers are grappling with the impact of rising tariffs as harvest season begins, leading to increased costs and shrinking markets.

• Bill Hunt, owner of Hunt Farms Inc. in Davison, said tariffs are significantly affecting crop prices, with China, a major buyer, looking elsewhere for soybeans.

• “The biggest buyer of our beans this time of year is China, and China’s not buying,” Hunt said.

• Hunt noted that input costs have risen by 20%, while commodity prices have dropped 30% since the tariffs were implemented.

• […] Farmers in Michigan are expected to lose between 60 to 90 cents per bushel of soybeans and face a 25-cent loss per bushel of corn this year, according to Hunt.

• “If we don’t change agriculture’s direction right now, we are going to be in a world of hurt,” Hunt said.

Bridge Michigan: Trade war, drought squeeze Michigan farmers heading to fall harvest

• West Michigan farmer Jim May has given up on the idea of making a profit off his harvest this year. At this point, he’s just hoping he breaks even. 

• “I don’t think we’re even going to cover expenses,” the Sparta-based corn and soybean farmer told Bridge Michigan. “Last year was bad enough, but you know, you paid the bills. This year is worse.”

• […] “This is an uncertain time for Michigan farmers and rural businesses that work with them,” said Chuck Lippstreu, president of the Michigan Agri-Business Association. “As long as there have been farmers, farmers have been dealing with uncertainty…But no doubt, today is different.”

• Farm groups have been sounding the alarm on the impacts of tariffs on Michigan farmers for months, citing the state’s close two-way trade relationship with Canada and the possibilities of restricted markets, decreased profits for farmers and higher food prices for consumers. 

• State officials say some of those fears are already coming to pass.

• In the first half of 2025, Michigan soybean meal exports fell by 46% compared to the prior year, wheat exports declined 89%, fresh cherry exports fell 62% and fresh apple exports declined 58%.

• […] Tim Boring, director of Michigan’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said he continues to hear from farmers and producers across the state who are “deeply concerned about their ability to weather market uncertainty.” 

• “Tariffs are jeopardizing agricultural jobs, disrupting rural economies and reducing Michiganders’ access to affordable food,” Boring said in a statement.

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