The Montana Grain Growers Association (MGGA) is deeply concerned about the new Canadian import regulations that took effect mid-August. These regulations impose significant restrictions on importing agricultural equipment from Canada, creating challenges for many Montana farmers.
A key issue is the requirement for a detailed breakdown of the steel content in both new and used equipment, including precise percentages and specifics about smelting processes. This information is often impossible to obtain, especially for used equipment. The added burden of a 50% tariff complicates matters further, making it financially unfeasible for farmers already operating at a loss to acquire essential parts for timely harvesting and seeding.
As harvest season progresses, many farmers find themselves unable to access costly equipment they purchased from Canada. Some, having acquired equipment before the regulations were enacted, cannot provide the required smelting details at the border, effectively halting their operations. This ruling disrupts the flow of vital agricultural equipment from Canada, significantly impacting farmers in the Northern Plains who depend on Canadian resources due to similar growing conditions.
The implications are national, as domestic dealers may soon exhaust their supply of parts, facing the same challenges as Northwest farmers. Timely delivery of replacement parts and new equipment is critical for successful harvest and planting, and this ruling threatens to undermine the viability of family farms.
Klayton Lohr, President of MGGA, commented, “The Montana Grain Growers Association urges a reevaluation of the new Canadian import regulations that jeopardize the livelihoods of our farmers. Our members inability to access essential agricultural equipment not only threatens our operations but also undermines the very essence of family farms that feed our nation. We support the intent to promote American-made products, but it’s critical that farmers are not penalized for seeking the tools necessary for their success. Together, we can find solutions that uphold both our agricultural heritage and the administration’s goals.”
While we understand and support our presidential administration’s intent to promote American-made products, these new regulations should not be implemented without providing farmers with viable alternatives for purchasing equipment domestically, especially during critical harvest and planting seasons. American farmers should not be penalized for lacking the choice of where to acquire the necessary equipment to produce food for our citizens.
President Trump campaigned heavily on supporting American farmers, particularly small family farms. Therefore, the Montana Grain Growers Association urges a swift reevaluation of these regulations and a declaration of exemption for all agricultural purposes moving forward. We are confident that we can achieve the administration’s goals while ensuring that family farms remain viable. We look forward to collaborating on this important issue.
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MGGA – 2025
