Davids, Kansas Farm Leaders Discuss Protecting North American Trade, Fighting Tariffs, Supporting Rural Communities

Image October 22, 2026 Press Release OLATHE, KS — Today, Representative Sharice Davids joined Kansas farmers, agribusiness leaders, and the Kansas Farm Bureau for a roundtable discussion on the future of agricultural trade with Canada and Mexico. New data released at the event highlights just how much Kansas farmers depend on these North American markets and why trade certainty is critical for rural communities. Originally, Davids voted alongside both Democrats and Republicans to pass the Trump-negotiated United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) when it was first negotiated. However, because the Trump Administration refused a full 16-year extension this year, farmers are now stuck in an endless cycle of annual negotiations, making it difficult to plan ahead, invest in equipment, or grow their businesses. “Our farmers and producers need long-term stability — not the economic chaos we’re seeing after President Trump refused to renew the USMCA this year,” said Davids . “Canada and Mexico buy billions of dollars in Kansas crops and meat products every year. I was proud to vote to pass the original USMCA negotiated by President Trump because it supports thousands of local jobs. As we work through the agreement’s review, my focus is on protecting our farmers, keeping our markets open, and pushing back against reckless tariff policies that raise costs for families and threaten our rural communities.” Since USMCA was enacted in 2020, Mexico and Canada have collectively scaled up imports of U.S. agricultural goods by $20 billion, totaling $60 billion in 2024. Economic models show that in 2024 alone, agricultural and seafood exports to Canada and Mexico generated $149 billion in total economic contribution to the U.S. economy, supporting nearly half a million American jobs and generating $36 billion in wages. Image New data unveiled at the roundtable by Farmers for Free Trade underscores the massive role international trade plays in Kansas: $3.0 Billion in Exports: In 2025, Kansas exported $3.0 billion worth of agricultural products to Mexico and Canada. 14,600 Local Jobs: Trade with our northern and southern neighbors directly supports 14,600 agricultural jobs across Kansas. Top Export Markets: Mexico and Canada remain the largest buyers of Kansas goods, including top markets like meat products ($826 million), corn ($814 million), wheat ($355 million), grain and oilseed milling products ($263 million), and soybean farming ($200 million). During the discussion, leaders talked about how trade uncertainty and broad tariffs are hurting local agribusinesses. Kansas lost 700 farms in 2025 alone, highlighting the real consequences of chaotic economic policies. Unstable tariff policies have driven up costs for families — with average American households paying roughly $2,500 more this year — while small businesses across the state face higher prices for goods and equipment. Davids has consistently pushed back on blanket tariffs and supported bipartisan approaches to trade that protect consumers and keep American producers competitive. She previously spoke during a U.S. House Agriculture Committee hearing on the trade disruptions Kansas farmers face — a concern echoed by former Kansas Farm Bureau President Joe Newland. She also voted to end broad tariffs on Canada that drive up costs for families. The roundtable brought together key agricultural and economic voices from across the region to share on-the-ground perspectives: Glenn Brunkow, President, Kansas Farm Bureau Zach Helder, Vice President, Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City Andy Hineman, President of the Board of Directors, Kansas Sorghum Producers Lance Jungmeyer, Fresh Produce Association of the Americas Melissa Miller, Director, World Trade Center – Kansas City Josh Roe, CEO, Kansas Corn Growers Association Ron Seeber, President and CEO, Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association Andy Winsor, Chair of the Policy Committee, Kansas Soybean Association Issues : Agriculture Jobs, Economy & Small Businesses