Warning: US Agriculture Faces Widespread Collapse Amid Rising Costs and Trade Disputes - USDA Bailout Lags

[Para 1: The Lead] U.S. agriculture is under severe financial strain, warned former agriculture officials and Republican Senator John Boozman. Farmers are losing substantial profits due to escalating input costs, disrupted export markets, and increased labor expenses. The $12 billion government bailout announced last year is insufficient to cover the extensive losses, leaving many farmers bracing for another year of financial hardship. [Para 2-3: Supporting details & Context] For three years, farmers have been grappling with rising costs for seeds, fertilizers, and other inputs, coupled with surplus grain supplies that have limited profitability. Trade disputes under the Trump administration disrupted U.S. crop exports, and immigration policies increased labor costs, resulting in crops rotting in fields. According to a Federal Reserve survey, there was a nearly 40% increase in new farm operating loans in the fourth quarter of 2025, with average loan sizes growing 30% compared to the previous year. Farmers' expectations for poor financial times in the next year rose to 59% in January from 47% in December, and 46% anticipate widespread bad times in agriculture over the next five years, up from 24% a month prior. The USDA maintains that all available tools are being utilized to support farmers.