A Texas farmer says if there isn’t movement quickly, farmers
are going to need a third year of Market Facilitation Program payments.
Matt Huie grows cotton and sorghum in Beeville, Texas, “Most
farmers I know are optimistic about the phase-one agreement. But I respectfully
submit that absent a very significant turnaround in the next couple of months
an MFP-3 will be absolutely essential if farmers are to hang on.”
Huie says farmers are hanging on President Trump’s words, “The
president’s pledge to producers to continue to provide aid until the trade
deals work as promised is viewed as a lifeline to thousands of farmers and
ranchers.”
Huie says he wants to be optimistic but his skepticism is
real, “The simple fact is, macroeconomics are telling us to quit.”
Huie says China was the largest market for cotton before the
trade dispute and now it is placing new orders at lower prices while cancelling
orders for higher prices.
