Challenges Facing Farmers in the Kansas Senate Race

“A lot of farmers are angry at Trump and Marshall,” Kansas farmer Jeff Preisser stated, “due to the current situation.” As the Kansas Senate race heats up between Republican Sen. Roger Marshall and Democrat Adam Hamilton, the Preisser family revealed their difficulties. They showed CBS News the rising costs they face, including a $737,375 increase in their farm’s expenses in 2026 compared to the previous year.

Fertilizer costs rose by $514,625, and diesel expenses increased by $187,000 due to the Iran war. Steel tariffs increased parts costs by $10,000. Drought led to a 20% reduction in crop yields. Low commodity prices and trade wars decreased agriculture exports, reducing revenue by $325,000 from 2025 to 2026.

These challenges are not unique. Kansas lost 700 farms from 2024 to 2025, and Midwest farm bankruptcies rose 70% during that period. “Last year was tough, and now it is worse,” Jeff Preisser said. He remains uncertain if his 6,500-acre farm will survive the year.

The hardships led Larry Preisser, Jeff’s father, to support a Democrat for the first time. He plans to vote for Hamilton, who seeks to become the first Democrat since the 1930s to represent Kansas in the Senate. Larry expressed dissatisfaction with Republican leadership and the failure to pass a Farm Bill, which expired with no replacement since 2018.

“We need someone other than Roger Marshall,” Jeff Preisser remarked. His sister, Mandi Sieren, echoed a lack of trust in politicians, regardless of party. However, Tracy Chambers, a neighboring landowner, encouraged them to vote.

Chambers and Larry Preisser appreciated Hamilton’s moderate approach, seeing potential for bipartisan collaboration. “He wants to work with Republicans and doesn’t want to fight,” Larry explained.

Meanwhile, soybean farmer Mick Roush shared concerns but still supported Marshall, fearing Hamilton’s perceived liberal stance. Farmers like Roush see issues like the Iran war as temporary but necessary to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Some fear losing Republican Senate control could worsen conditions under Democratic leadership.

An April survey by Farm Journal showed more trust in Republicans for agricultural issues, yet 73% felt officials didn’t understand their challenges well. One in five expressed distrust in either party’s capability to address economic issues.

President Trump announced policies to relieve diesel prices, including an $8 billion temporary fuel relief program for farmers. However, the Preissers viewed it as a “Band-Aid,” emphasizing a need for long-term solutions. Rising input costs and unstable global markets continue to burden them.

“We need systemic changes,” Jeff Preisser argued. Sieren agreed, saying, “We almost don’t want temporary fixes; we want the program corrected.” Larry Preisser sold land held in the family for 140 years to pay bills. “It’s a dead-end,” he lamented, highlighting financial pressures from all sides.

Beyond November, they worry about the future of American farming. Jeff Preisser, a lifelong farmer, bought land and built up equity as a safety net. This year, he refinanced everything. “All equity is maxed out,” he shared, contemplating the end if circumstances don’t improve.

Farms across the nation share similar struggles. Nationally, farm bankruptcies increased 46% in 2025. The U.S. Department of Agriculture predicts farm debt to reach $624.7 billion in 2026, a new high. A coalition of 56 agricultural groups warned Congress about the economic crisis threatening rural America’s food supply.

Some farmers hesitate to recommend the profession to their children, given current challenges. The 2022 Census of Agriculture indicates the average U.S. farmer was 58.1 years old, with four out of ten over 65.

“The joy is gone, but we must continue until we can’t,” Larry concluded. “Retirement isn’t an option.”