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Farmers unsure what to do with anger
Farmers aren’t sure what to do with frustration stemming from trade disruptions, RFS waivers, and difficult growing conditions.
Minnesota director of rural mental health Ted Matthews says for obvious reasons, President Trump has become a lightning rod.
“There are farmers who are furious with the President for the tariffs. And then there are farmers that say (the U.S.) had to do something with China, so they’re defending (the Trump Administration) still. But the biggest difference that I see is in the anger that they have with those stands.”
He tells Brownfield the buildup of anxiety and stress usually manifests itself as anger.
“So I always strongly recommend that people talk about it as soon as they can, and look at those things (like tariffs) not so much on an emotional issue as on a ‘what can I do’ issue because that is something you do have control over.”
Matthews says with political tensions rising, it’s important for farmers to remember if they have a right to their opinion, opposing views have a right too. He also warns against using anger as a motivator.
Vote everyone out of office who supported the tariffs.