Underrated the sweltering sun of the American Midwest, Tim Maxwell shares his anxieties about the future of farming. The 65-year-old, who has tended to fields since his teenage years, owns a grain and hog farm near Moscow, Iowa. Yet he finds himself uncertain about its prospects.

"I'm in a little bit of a worried place," says Maxwell, wearing a baseball cap adorned with a corn company logo.

He expresses concern over American farmers' diminishing ability to sell crops on international markets, attributing part of this struggle to President Trump's tariffs.

"Our yields, crops and weather are pretty good – but our market interest is currently low," Maxwell notes. "This will undoubtedly stress some farmers."

The agricultural community echoes Maxwell's worries. US farming groups caution that farmers face widespread difficulties this year due largely to economic tensions with China. Since April, the ongoing trade war between the two nations has sharply reduced Chinese orders for American crops.

Economists indicate that American farmers bear significant economic wounds as a result. Data compiled by Bloomberg highlights that small business bankruptcies filed by farmers have reached their highest level in five years as of July.

Despite these economic challenges, rural areas remain steadfast in their support for Trump. Rural Americans were among Trump's most loyal supporters during last year's election when he secured significant victories over Kamala Harris in these communities.

Polling experts find Trump's popularity still robust in rural areas despite financial concerns like those of Maxwell's. "Our president told us it would take time to establish these tariffs," explains Maxwell. "I am going to be patient. I believe in our president."

The question arises: why do so many farmers and rural Americans continue backing Trump despite feeling an economic pinch from his policies?

A visit to the Iowa State Fair offers insights into rural America's mindset. This agricultural showcase attracts over one million visitors across ten days and features everything from candy floss and corn dogs to antique tractor shows and competitions for the largest boar.

This year’s fair buzzed with discussions on tariffs too." A lot of people say he's using tariffs as bargaining chips," says Gil Gullickson from South Dakota who also edits an agriculture magazine." History proves such strategies don't end well," he adds cautiously.

Tension Mounts Amid Retaliatory Tariffs

April marked what Trump termed "liberation day" when imposing sweeping global tariffs including 145% on China which retaliated swiftly with a 125% tariff against American goods-a heavy blow for Midwestern farmers dealing primarily with Chinese buyers especially those selling soybeans worth $12.7bn last year alone mainly feeding Chinese livestock needs reported.