Dairy Farmers in New York Face Rising Costs Due to Tariffs
Dairy farmers in the region of Champlain, New York, have expressed serious concerns over rising operational costs, which could amount to tens of thousands of dollars as a result of tariffs imposed by President Trump's administration.
The farmers are apprehensive about a potential economic challenge this spring, fearing a decrease in milk prices coupled with the imposition of tariffs on Canada. At Hidden View Farms, Dale Tetrault, the owner, highlights the dependency on Canadian feed and fertilizer for their growth. "They have counted on us for years and years to sell their product to and it’s been a perfect marriage," Tetrault remarked.
However, Tetrault warns that this business synergy with Canada might be disrupted. He points out that a 10 percent tariff could amount to an additional $300 daily for grain feed and approximately $20,000 annually for fertilizer costs. "Several grain companies are looking to bring in some corn and possibly soybean from down south and truck it from the United States up. That is the conversation right now," he explained, adding that there is some time until their next planned purchase in June. "Things could change for the better or in between that time, so we are just going to keep watching the markets and praying."
Despite the potential impact of tariffs on farming operations, Tetrault is also hopeful for changes in the Canadian dairy business practices, which presently restrict profitable sales into Canada due to existing tariffs. "Right now with the current tariffs they have on us, it is impossible to sell a product at any profit into Canada," Tetrault noted.
In response, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has indicated plans to engage in new trade discussions with the U.S. following the country’s federal elections scheduled for April 28.
The Trump administration justifies the tariffs on Canada partly as a retaliatory measure against the influx of fentanyl into the U.S., which accounts for less than one percent of all illegal seizures reported by Customs and Border Protection this year.
