Oregon wheat farmers worry about government aid freeze

(FEBRUARY 27, 2025) Oregon wheat farmers are worried after President Donald Trump paused foreign aid programs that buy their wheat. The U.S. government has bought wheat from Oregon farmers for many years to help hungry people in other countries. In 2023, Oregon farmers harvested over 40 million bushels of wheat, worth $266 million. 

"We are in a tough spot right now," said Craig Reeder, a wheat farmer, explaining that losing this business could hurt them.  

The pause has caused problems for both farmers and people who rely on food aid. While a judge blocked the order on February 13, many government contracts are still on hold. 

Wheat farmer Daniel Jepsen said, "When the U.S. government comes in to purchase wheat, it has a positive impact on the market." If purchases do not resume, wheat prices could drop, forcing farmers to cut costs, lay off workers, or grow different crops.  

Some farmers are unsure if the pause will hurt them. The price of soft white wheat has gone up in the last month, and the government has already been buying less wheat in recent years. On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture released $20 million for farmers, but much more aid is still frozen. 

"Let’s wait and see what happens," said Brent Cheyne, a wheat farmer from Klamath Falls, who believes all Americans will feel some financial pain from government changes.