A House Agriculture Committee hearing turned contentious as Ranking Member Angie Craig repeatedly challenged Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins on farm finances, input costs and administration policies. Craig cited farm losses from last year and questioned the administration’s trade and economic policies. “Do you know how much money farmers lost last year?, What were their losses last year? It was $28 billion.” Rollins disputed Craig’s characterization of the farm economy, noting the impact of federal support programs. Craig responded that farmers would not need as much support if export markets remained stronger. The exchange continued when Craig questioned fertilizer affordability and diesel costs. “Do you know what percentage of farmers now say they can’t afford fertilizer for this year as a result of the president’s war in Iran? Seventy percent is the answer.” Rollins challenged those figures, saying they did not match available data.
