The 50-Year Wealth Transfer
Where Your Food Dollar Actually Goes
40¢
1975
Farmers Received
(60¢ to middlemen)
15.9¢
2023
Farmers Receive
(84.1¢ to middlemen)
The Story in Numbers:
- Farmers received 40¢ of every food dollar in 1975
- By 2023, farmers receive only 15.9¢ — a 60% decline
- Corporate middlemen now capture 84.1¢ of every food dollar
- This wealth transfer accelerated as family farms failed
96%
Q1 2025 Bankruptcy Increase
76%
Brazil China Market Share
$20B
Argentina Bailout
$3,800
Household Tariff Cost
Argentina Bailout Scandal & Market Share Loss
September 2025: US Taxpayers Fund Foreign Competitors
- Sept 23: US announces $20B Argentina bailout
- Sept 24: Argentina suspends 26% soybean export tax
- Sept 25-26: China orders 20 shiploads from Argentina
- US farmers lose $100-200 per acre
Market Share Transfer: China Soybean Suppliers
Farm Bankruptcy Crisis
Crisis Acceleration Pattern:
- 2022-2023: Stable at historic lows (+4%)
- 2024: +55% acceleration - crisis emerges
- Q1 2025: +96% acceleration - exponential crisis
- 2025 Projection: 352 total filings
Agricultural Exports to China
Export Collapse:
- 2018 Trade War: Soybean exports fell from $12.3B to $3.1B (-75%)
- 2024-2025: Total ag exports to China down 39%
- US harvest began Sept 2025 with ZERO Chinese orders
Farm Input Costs Crisis
Explosive Cost Increases:
- Fertilizer costs up 179% in 12 months
- Diesel prices up 47.4%
- Machinery costs up 38% since 2020
- Total farm expenses up 28% ($87B increase)
International Farm Support Comparison
US Vulnerability:
- US: Only 9% government support (crisis-based aid)
- EU: 20% support with direct annual payments
- Canada: 16% support with automatic stabilizers
- US farmers uniquely exposed to market volatility
Farmer Mental Health Crisis
22.3
Farmers per 100k
15.3
General Pop per 100k
3.5x
Higher Rate
1,500+
Midwest Since 1980s
Crisis Resources Available 24/7:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
- Farm Aid Hotline: 1-800-FARM-AID
- AgriStress Helpline: 1-800-691-4336
Q4 2025 Crisis Projections
86
Q4 Bankruptcies Expected
352
Total 2025 Projected
39%
Export Loss to China
$592B
Projected Farm Debt
Critical Warning Signs for Q4 2025:
- Winter fertilizer purchases may trigger additional failures
- Holiday debt servicing creates cash flow crisis
- Equipment loan renewals amid tight credit
- Trade uncertainty affecting 2026 planting decisions