I'm a Soybean Farmer Who Voted for Trump. I'm Begging the President to End the Trade War.

[In It to Win It]

My family has been farmers for nine generations, going back to 1808 when my great-great-great-great-great-great-grandfather cut down trees to build a cabin and barns for livestock, and planted the food they needed to survive.

I can see their gravestones from my home here in Magnolia, Kentucky. My father and grandfather taught me to farm and now I’m paying it forward to my three sons, ages 14, 12, and 9.

In the 1980s, farmers in my area shifted from dairy and tobacco to soybeans as new technology changed the market and made it possible to farm rougher terrain and use pesticides to kill weeds without killing crops. But now, because of the trade war with China, I’m worried we could be out of business by 2027. All that history, heritage, blood, sweat, and toil could vanish with the stroke of a pen.

Soybeans are one of the most versatile crops in the world. They have thousands of uses: They can feed cattle, be turned into biofuel and rubber, and be mined for the seed oils that are used throughout the food industry. Last year, soybeans were the number one row crop in my home state of Kentucky. But as I’m planting seeds this spring, I’m facing fear and uncertainty about who will buy my crops come harvest time in October.

The U.S. became the leader in soybean production about 30 years ago. That’s when China started buying our soybeans as it went through its own industrial transformation, making its people wealthier. With more money to spend, the demand for meat exploded—and so did the need to feed soybeans to poultry, cattle, and pigs in China. To this day, they still use 70 percent of their soybean imports to feed livestock.

https://www.thefp.com/p/im-a-soybean-farmer-who-voted-for

[BoRaGard]

1. "Ha ha. Another Ag sucker and loser. Ha ha." - Krasnov (R-Felon) & G.O.P. Kronies

The republican felon delights in making "suckers and losers" out of Americans.

[dem4decades]

2. If Trump lifted the tariffs on soybeans, I wonder if this guy would support Trump's war on the rest of us?

[yardwork]

17. Yes. He voted for Trump in 2016, 2020, and 2024.

Last edited Sat Apr 19, 2025, 09:42 AM - Edit history (1)

He applauds every stupid mean thing Trump is doing except the one that affects him.

[dem4decades]

21. Then he can wear his MAGA hat to his foreclosure.

[sop]

33. People like this will still vote for Trump after being foreclosed.

They'll figure out a way to blame it on Democrats.

[Dave Bowman]

50. I doubt that I'll cry for that idiot's problems.

[Ars Longa]

23. 'Just fine with Trump--Until it effected HIM.... n/t

[CanonRay]

31. Hes STILL fine with Trump. Just don't impact his own business.

Fuck him.

[NotHardly]

42. He/They have an empathy problem...can't feel until it hits them

[Swede]

49. All conservatives are like that.

Until it affects them, they don't give a fuck.

[Walleye]

56. That's the main difference between our parties I believe. Hits the nail on the head.

[CincyDem]

60. I'm sure has other names but locally, we call it the Rob Portman effect.

Vehemently against LBGT rights…until his son came out. And once it “effected” him, he did a 180 from the party…but only on that issue.

Spineless twit.

[Bengus81]

48. He's begging for another Trump subsidy check and all will be good again.

Fuck everyone else..............

[Rebl2]

62. Isn't

that always the way it goes with some of those trumpers.

[dem4decades]

66. Selfish pricks, but they love the baby jesus, and don't see the hypocricy.

[travelingthrulife]

32. The answer is yes. Trump already did this to him once and the fool voted for him again.

Zero sympathy.

They are stealing your farmland.

[Rebl2]

61. I believe

he would.

[Wingus Dingus]

3. Shorter: I want all the terrible consequences I voted for, except for myself and my money.

Fuck off, soybean dude.

[GoCubsGo]

10. Even shorter: I can't learn from my mistakes.

Trump destroyed the soybean market with his imbecilic trade policies in his last term, as well, along with pork and a few others. Back then, he bribed the farmers with a bail-out. I guess this guy realizes Trump isn't going to cut him another check this time around? Fuck off, indeed.

[yardwork]

27. This dude is still blaming Biden.

[Joinfortmill]

4. You voted for a convicted sex offender. FAF0.

[Irish_Dem]

5. Trump will be glad to give you an exemption fo the right price.

Can you fork over millions in cash to the orange F wad?

[Scrivener7]

6. Fuck you, Cal. Reading on in the article, he's still blaming Biden and still supporting Mump.

Here's my wish for you, Cal: May the sky fall on you to only the extent you thought it would fall on others when you voted for Mump.

So, sayonara, Bubby.

[mucifer]

8. Brainwashed.

[Scrivener7]

15. Or just completely complicit in the lies.

I think many of these people know they are supporting a bunch of lies. I don't know if Cal is one of them, but I don't believe many of them are blindly following. I think many are winking and nodding and going along with the bullshit with perfect understanding that they're doing that.

[mucifer]

26. I am a hospice nurse and I have met some VERY brainwashed people:

I go into a home where a couple is white and adopted black children who are now adults who love the couple and care for them. I gotta say I never adopted black children and raised them. They are very sweet. There is maga stuff all over the house from the couple. (for hippa I am not going to be specific). Another home I go into another very sweet couple. I have to turn off the loud tv each time I go . It's fox news 24/7. I really do care for the patient. She is oriented. She says "I love you" each time I leave.

This breaks my heart.

[yardwork]

29. I see the same among old friends and relatives.

Fox News plays a huge role in destroying our country, along with AM hate radio and the internet.

So many lies. And the lies are twisted: "we're not brainwashed; you are!"

I don't know why so many people are so gullible, while others of us can see right through the lies.

[mucifer]

30. I think some of the racist and crazy crap trump says never gets on right wing media.

[yardwork]

34. Most of it isn't covered.

And even on supposed MSM I saw a lot of sanewashing. They ignored the worst things, reexplained others.

There was a lot of smirking and both-siding.

[mucifer]

37. Exactly!!

[FakeNoose]

63. It does get shared on the RWNJ websites and social media though

The MAGAs are always forwarding their silly racist memes to one another. Mostly on cellphones because they're too stupid to operate computers.

[D_Master81]

7. Please don't do what you ran on Mr President

Why would he stop? He ran on this and now you’re acting surprised that he’s doing it.

[MontanaFarmer]

9. I'm a farmer. All my neighbors are too.

Most voted for him. And while I know some of the fire will burn me too I sincerely hope we get no trade aid and they all go broke. FUCK farmers and their brand of socialism for me but not for thee. Spoken again, as a 4th generation farmer.

[yardwork]

18. I'm sorry this is happening to you.

[SamKnause]

41. You don't deserve this. They do. I am sorry you will get hurt.

[MontanaFarmer]

57. I'm in a pretty good position

A lot of what I do is contracted/specialty crops and organics. Domestic use stuff. Where I'll get hurt worse is when the economy collapses.

[viva la]

52. I'm sorry.

It's got to be hard facing this and being surrounded by deniers of reality too.

[kacekwl]

65. While they all sit in the

diner blaming Biden and trans folks and those damned illegals for their wows.

[MontanaFarmer]

70. Out in this country there's hardly any diners

even left. Decades of policy favoring consolidation (thanks earl butz) and corporate agribusiness have hollowed out the small communities and ruined our soil. But you're totally correct, they keep voting against their own interests for, in my view, 2 main reasons. One is they've convinced themselves they're wealthy, much like the rest of the middle class
2, because trans something something gay something something Mexicans. It's a joke and they deserve whatever hell is coming.

[Arazi]

11. Traitor has irrevocably burned trade bridges that may never come back

The entire planet is now united in finding ways to bypass American products. While some of the American soybean market may recover, many farms will go out of business as countries work to shrink dependence on us.

We’re now utterly unreliable with no guarantee that another tyrant won’t decide to punish our current or future partners. Nobody’s going to build a long term strategy with such a fickle nation

[Renew Deal]

12. I wouldn't count on it getting better

Seems like the damage has been done. And if it did, I bet this guy would go back to voting for republicans because guys like this don’t learn easily.

[dedl67]

13. Hey Cal and other soybean farmers

I'm trying to help you out. I eat tofu every day, not just because I am vegetarian, but because I love tofu. Tofu is made in the US from US grown soybeans. So, I am glad you are growing those soybeans. It's too bad, though, that you are losing your foreign markets. But you should think before casting your votes.

[DFW]

14. Beg all you want

Suffer the consequences, and vote differently next time, or..................
vote Republican again, get more of the same, and complain again.

But go complain to the Republicans. We Democrats asked for your vote every cycle. Jon Tester was one of you, and you still sent him packing. Will you vote differently next time? Probably not. Will you understand why your situation will not stop getting worse? Probably not. Farmers who vote Republican are like gun owners who keep shooting their feet, and then complain that walking isn't as easy as it used to be.

[Buckeyeblue]

16. Generational land farmers can fuck off

They are as bad as Trump in that they've basically been handed everything.

[Tribetime]

44. Yes, he has a sense of entitlement, doesn't understand everybody.Else goes through this every day

[ILikePie92]

19. If

He voted for Dump. You get what you vote for. Not a single gram of sympathy for this ignorant fuck.

[dalton99a]

20. Reap what you sow

[Walleye]

59. Good one "sow the wind reap the whirlwind"

Hosea 8: 7 Old Testament.
“Biblical Context:
In the Hosea passage, the Israelites are described as "sowing the wind" because they were worshipping idols and turning away from God. As a result, God warns that they will "reap the whirlwind" in the form of military invasions and exile.”
Seems pretty appropriate at this point.

[DinahMoeHum]

22. "Leopards Are Eating My Face" - Dark Brandon

[bottomofthehill]

24. Hope Cal can get one of those Factory Jobs

Too bad about the family farm but this is what you voted for

[Johonny]

25. I hope he lifts all tariffs but soybeans

Because fuck this guy

[Blue Full Moon]

28. He fell for it a 2nd time, getting what he deserves

[lark]

35. Laughable that this fool thinks krasnov's administration would do anything good for the American people.

Stupid jerk, the orange jerkface won't help him and never intended any help at all, just destruction which this person ignores until it hits him and he think tsf will help? HA!

FAFO farmers and ranchers - you voted for this, you fucking earned every bit of the pain and anguish your horrible choices have forced on other Americans!!!

[Tribetime]

36. Now that it affects you and not others you're concerned foff

[Bettie]

38. That orange man was explicit in his promises of a trade war

this guy voted for that.

I get that he is sad that it is affecting him, but it is literally what he voted for, he just thought it would harm only people he hates.

I am having a really hard time finding sympathy for people who voted for that felon thinking that his policies would magically not harm them.

[NNadir]

39. Go fuck yourself asshole.

[SamKnause]

40. 3 times you say.

Well fuck you, fuck you, fuck you.

You failed when you country needed you most.

You voted for a criminal who surrounds his self with criminals.

You voted for people who are taking away women's rights state by state.

You voted to end The Department of Education.

You voted for the destruction of the government.

You voted for tariffs !!!! I can't stress that enough. You voted for tariffs !!!!

All of us will suffer because of your harmful voting record.

We don't deserve it.

We voted for Harris for stability and decency.

You voted for chaos and evil.

I don't give a flying fuck what happens to you.

[Montauk6]

43. Other than the FAVOvian retort, y'all know what question comes to mind, right....?

Magnolia, Kentucky
Generational farming going back to 1808... let's see.......

HOW MANY SLAVES, MR. RAGLAND?

[GiqueCee]

45. The question I always ask...

... How in God's name could ANY person capable of tying their own shoes, think for a moment that a proven liar like Trump would suddenly change character and tell them the truth about anything? The ONLY thing he ever did for the likes of this self-pitying fool, was to validate his own bigotry.
It was people like him who helped Pox News and Putin inflict this evil fuck on the rest of us, and now he's begging him to not be the malicious monster he has ALWAYS been. Cry me a river.

[3catwoman3]

67. No matter how many explanations I read about why Trump appeals to people...

...it continues to mystify me. He is so utterly vile and repulsive in every possible way.

[bronxiteforever]

46. Well

[surfered]

47. Redemption is available that confess and ask for forgiveness

[questionseverything]

72. Sadly, reading the replies in this thread, that sign is not accurate

[Wounded Bear]

51. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice...

I guess I'm a fucking idiot.

[AZLD4Candidate]

53. yet when I say I live and grew up in farm country and attack farmers for their selfishness, narcissism, and

self-importance, I get attacked with "then don't eat."

Farmers are mostly right wing bigots that scream how bad welfare is, but will be all over the Dept. of Ag if their "subsidy" check is ten seconds late.

They scream how terrible it is foreigners are stealing American everything, but use undocumented migrants to pick their produce.

They scream how invasive the federal government is in their pollution and environmental regulations, then will complain that the "ghetto" isn't being punished enough for their "crime."

[Duncanpup]

54. Nope

You idiots voted for Trump even knowing what Trump did to you in his first term.
And absolutely no farm bailout that would be socialism so deal with the second titanic cruise that you booked asshole.

[Walleye]

55. "Fool me thrice shame shame on me"

[GoodRaisin]

64. He doesn't care.

The Trump rallies are over.

[RainCaster]

68. I'm all out of fucks to give

You voted for him. You got exactly what you asked for.

[lapucelle]

69. Did Farmer Ragland read the links he used to support his claim that it's all Joe Biden's fault?

Back in 2018, President Trump negotiated a trade deal with China that would have been very good for our farmers. We had one problem, though, that derailed its effectiveness: Joe Biden. The Phase One deal went into effect in 2020, but when Trump lost the election, President Biden refused to enforce it.

https://www.thefp.com/p/im-a-soybean-farmer-who-voted-for

----------------------------------------------

From his link in support of the claim that it's all Joe Biden's fault:

China promised Trump a better deal for America; it didn't actually deliver

Chad Bown has been following the trade war closely. He's a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics and co-host of the Trade Talks podcast. He says that, from the beginning, the Phase One trade deal was pretty weird.

snip ==================

Last week, the Biden Administration made clear it was not happy with Beijing failing to buy the boatloads of American-made stuff they promised they'd buy in the Phase One deal.

As an anonymous U.S. official told Reuters: "Because we inherited this deal, we engaged the (People's Republic of China) on its purchase commitment shortfalls, both to fight for U.S. farmers, ranchers and manufacturers, and give China the opportunity to follow through on its commitments. But our patience is wearing thin," the official said. This official urged China to take "concrete actions" to fulfill its promise.

President Biden has, for the most part, continued Trump's trade policy towards China. That's despite growing evidence that the policy has harmed the U.S. economy, while also not doing a whole lot to damage China's economy or change China's behavior.

https://www.npr.org/sections/money/2022/02/15/1079761270/china-promised-trump-a-better-deal-for-america-it-didnt-actually-deliver

-----------------------------------

Farmer Ragland voted for chaos and the concomitant economic hardship, and now he's getting exactly what he thought would be fine if it happened to other people. Enjoy!

It's pretty ironic that a farmer doesn't understand the concept that you reap what you sow.

[sakabatou]

71. Did someone order a face eating leopard?

[Delmette2.0]

73. You gave all of us proof of your ignorance.

Pesticides don't kill weeds!!! You need a herbicide to do that.