Thousands of farmers from across the country gathered at the White House on Friday afternoon for an event discussing U.S. agriculture and the policies that are shaping its future.
“No one has more grit or greater spirit than the American farmer,” President Donald Trump said during remarks on the South Lawn.
Officials described the event as the largest of its kind, but the central theme was farm income and financial stability. Trump pointed to recent federal support efforts, including direct payments tied to trade disruptions.
While the event included several policy highlights, few new programs were unveiled. The most notable announcement was expanded loan guarantees through the Small Business Administration, aimed at improving access to capital across the agricultural supply chain. Other items, including right-to-repair guidance, E15 expansion, and farm aid , were largely continuations or extensions of existing efforts.
The announcements also come as portions of U.S. Department of Agriculture’s website currently unavailable, complicating access to program information and updates.
“We just provided $12 billion … for the American farmer,” he said.
While ad hoc payments have helped offset volatility in recent years, many farmers continue to emphasize the need for predictable, long-term policy — particularly through the farm bill.
New Jersey vegetable grower Joe Bayek, who spoke at the event, highlighted how critical that legislation is to daily operations.
“I just urge Congress to pass the farm bill,” Bayek said. “It’s vital to everything that we do — everything from financing to crop insurance.”
The current farm bill debate has been ongoing, with producers watching closely for updates that could affect everything from safety net programs to conservation funding.
Another issue raised during the event was estate tax policy and its role in farm succession. For many family operations, transitioning land and assets to the next generation remains one of the biggest financial hurdles.
Trump emphasized recent changes to estate tax rules, arguing they help preserve family-owned farms.
“I ended the death tax … so you can keep your family farms in the family,” he said.
Pennsylvania rancher Michael Kleiber said those types of policies can have a direct impact on long-term planning.
“It’s unexplainable how big it is for the American farmer and the next generation that don’t have the headache and don’t have to worry about the death tax,” Kleiber said.
Equipment, regulation, and trade updates
Rising input costs — especially equipment — were another key topic. Farmers have increasingly raised concerns about the complexity and cost of modern machinery, as well as restrictions on repairs.
Trump addressed those concerns directly, referencing conversations with manufacturers.
“You need a major degree from MIT in order to turn on a tractor,” he said. He pointed to efforts to expand right-to-repair access as a way to reduce costs and improve efficiency. “That action will save the typical farmer up to $30,000 on major repairs.”
Trade policy also came up throughout the event, particularly in relation to export markets, including soybean exports to China as an example of expanded opportunities.
“Thanks to our trade deals, you’re now sending over $40 billion in American soybeans to China,” he said.
Global market access remains a cornerstone issue for agriculture in the United States, and many of those commodities are dependent on those exports. Yet, uncertainty remains about issues related to trade disputes, demand, and even global tensions. Trade aid has been a big help in closing those gaps, but farmers themselves emphasize that market access is more important than that.
Fuel costs, another significant cost for farmers, were discussed, including ethanol and renewable fuels.
“I’m seeking congressional action to allow E15 all year round,” Trump said. This week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved a waiver to allow sales of the higher-ethanol E15 gas blend during summer 2026. The decision comes as consumer fuel prices have risen sharply since the start of the Iran war.
But still, this isn’t a permanent solution.
Year-round E15 availability has long been a priority for corn growers and ethanol producers, while also offering potential cost savings for consumers and farmers alike.
At the same time, broader energy policy continues to influence fertilizer costs, transportation, and overall farm profitability.
Trump and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin highlighted an effort to give more flexibility to help farmers experience less machine downtime due to false DEF-quality sensor issues.
“John Deere applauds the EPA’s leadership to provide as much flexibility through agency guidance as possible to limit the frequency of false DEF-quality inducements,” said Kyle Gilley, Vice President for Global Government Affairs at John Deere. “Today’s announcement builds upon EPA guidance from February 2026, requested by John Deere, to provide farmers additional tools to complete emissions-related repairs. These announcements are a win for farmers and their ability to keep modern equipment operating in the field.”
Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins emphasized the role of farmers in the broader economy and culture, while also acknowledging ongoing challenges.
“There is no more American … than our farmers and ranchers and the pioneering spirit that you all represent,” she said.
She also pointed to economic pressures farmers have faced in recent years, including higher input costs and trade imbalances.
“We inherited a mess,” Rollins said, referencing higher costs and a trade deficit in agriculture.
U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Chairman John Boozman (R-Ark.) released a statement following the speech, saying, “President Trump is focused on rural America and expanding opportunities to provide greater certainty to family farmers who face new pressures. Reducing barriers for producers to operate and ensuring they have the tools and resources needed to raise and grow our nation’s food are practical steps to maintaining their operations and strengthening the future of agriculture.”