Rebels, the alarm bells in farm country are deafening. U.S. farmers are staring down a financial cliff, warning that without immediate aid from Congress, many won’t survive the season. Lawmakers admit these are some of the worst times in living memory — yet gridlock in Washington means relief may not come until after October.

Republican farm-state representatives are scrambling to square loyalty to tariffs with loyalty to their constituents, lobbying for a bailout modeled after the $23 billion trade-war aid package of Trump’s first term. But delays could push countless small farms over the edge.

Experts predict net farm income could plunge by $30 billion in 2026 without new aid. One farmer compared the situation to playing “Russian roulette” with every planting season.

How Did We Get Here? A Look at Past Bailouts

The truth is, bailouts are nothing new in American agriculture. But history shows where the money flows: toward the largest operations.

• 2008 Farm Bill: Maintained commodity subsidies, offered modest support for local food.

• 2018 Farm Bill: An $867 billion package that watchdogs say “fails spectacularly” at helping small farms, while expanding loopholes for mega-operations.

• Trump’s Trade War (2018–19): $23 billion in payouts, mostly to soybean and corn giants.

• COVID Relief (2020): $31 billion via CFAP, but only 14% reached fruit, vegetable, and specialty crop farmers — the lifeblood of local and regenerative markets.

Every crisis since has been met with massive subsidies for corporate ag, while family farmers and regenerative pioneers get crumbs.

Regenerative Farmers Left Behind

For regenerative farmers, the stakes are higher. Many already rely on USDA conservation and climate programs now frozen or under review. Funding delays mean farmers who invested in cover crops, agroforestry, and soil health practices are stuck waiting for reimbursements.

Grassroots groups are stepping in. The Healing Soils Foundation, for example, launched an emergency “Regenerative Farmer Assurance Fund” to provide stopgap grants up to $50,000 when federal funds stall. But charity can’t replace systemic policy reform.

As one organic grower warned, today’s carbon-market schemes “serve corporate interests, not small farmers.” The crisis proves it: regenerative farmers are at risk of being written out of the future they’re building.

The Bigger Picture: Corporate Power

Behind the aid stalemate lies a bigger truth — America’s farm system is wired for consolidation. A handful of corporations dominate seeds, meatpacking, and inputs. They’ve spent over $500 million lobbying Congress since 2018, shaping farm bills to their advantage.

The result? Policy that funnels wealth to the top 0.3% of farms while leaving rural communities hollowed out. Aid without reform is just another corporate subsidy.

What Rebels Can Do

This moment demands more than waiting for Congress. Here’s how we can rebel against a broken system:

• Call your reps: Demand aid that prioritizes small and regenerative farms, not just corporate giants.

• Support grassroots groups: Farm Aid, NSAC, and Regeneration International are pushing for reforms.

• Buy direct: Back your local regenerative farmers with your dollars.

• Fight consolidation: Speak out against monopolies in seed, meat, and land markets.

Rebels, farmers are fighting for survival. It’s time we fight for them.

Viva La Regenaissance!

-Ryan