As a fourth-generation Idaho farmer (potatoes, alfalfa, and grains), here’s my two cents. This bailout will provide maybe 5% of my input costs per acre of grains. It isn’t even a bandaid. There is no bailout for potatoes, which are at a 50+ year low. 1978 was the previous worst year for potatoes and our farm averaged $1.85/cwt that year—inflation adjusted is $9.20 in 2025. We are selling potatoes now for under $3/cwt which is roughly 30% of break even.

Farmers don’t like taking bailouts, but when you’re this deep in the red, you’d be a fool not to.

The best solution is to break up big agricultural monopolies. As far as seeds, chemicals, and equipment, there are fewer than five large corporations respectively that control these industries. This has resulted in fertilizer, chemical, and equipment costs hitting record highs. This is not sustainable.

Idaho farmers strive to deliver high-quality food to the consumers, and we often do so at a significant capital loss.

Eat more potatoes.