Changes in the federal government lead to uncertainty for farmers: The Loretto Motherhouse Farm is affected by these challenges.

By Angela Rakes

Agriculture, for better or worse, is closely intertwined with the federal government. The soybeans we grow are often exported to Asian countries for use in their food supply. Grain prices are decided by global markets. With the implementation of tariffs and the confusion that has followed, prices have become very volatile. Although our rye, wheat and corn are used locally, volatility in the U.S. market suppresses prices we receive. When the U.S. markets become unstable, countries like China turn to other countries to fill their needs. As Brazil and others increase their production to fill those markets, U.S. farmers permanently lose out on those markets.

Beyond the volatility in grain crop markets, farmers are being negatively impacted by the restructuring of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The Loretto Motherhouse Farm was participating in two Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities (PCSC) programs, one through the Organic Association of Kentucky and another through the University of Tennessee. The USDA canceled the entire PCSC program, but is allowing organizations to reapply. We have been told that both organizations plan to reapply but have not received the necessary guidance for the June 20 reapplication deadline. The cancellation of these programs was a loss of around $50,000 in grant funds for the Motherhouse Farm. Thankfully, we had received a delivery of biochar and native seeds from the University of Tennessee prior to the cancellation and were able to utilize those products. We have planted a little over 15 acres of native grasses, spread biochar on about 10 acres, and have enough pollinator habitat seed for another five acres. The farm is also involved in a cereal rye project through American Farmland Trust. This was expected to be a multi-year project promoting the growth and marketing of local rye for use locally. The project is funded through a USDA Conservation Innovation Grant. Funding is secured for this year and we are hopeful the project will continue as planned without federal interference.

As the USDA continues to cut staff, we are concerned about the service farmers will receive. The department was already understaffed, and the loss of more staff could lead to fewer services to farmers. If lack of staff causes farmers to be unable to participate in federal programs, federal money could go unused, which may lead to cuts to critical conservation funding.

While we have been disappointed by these federal changes, we are inspired by the local markets we have created here, especially for our pumpkins. Last year the Motherhouse Farm grew and marketed three acres of pumpkins. We are doubling the pumpkin area to six acres this year; they will be sold through programs with local schools, businesses and our self-serve pumpkin wagon. This is our most profitable crop per acre on the farm. Beef cattle prices are also higher than they have ever been. This is one of the biggest benefits of the diversity of products we produce. Usually when one market is down, the others are up.