Robert Kennedy Jr. despises glyphosate. How should Iowa farmers respond?

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Robert Kennedy Jr. despises glyphosate. How should Iowa farmers respond?

As Robert F. Kennedy Jr. steps into his role as the expected nominee to head the federal Department of Health and Human Services, Iowa farmers — and by extension, the nation — face a pivotal moment.

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, Kennedy’s new position could profoundly influence agricultural policies that underpin not just the livelihoods of farmers but the stability of our entire food system.

For Iowa farmers, glyphosate is more than a chemical — it’s an indispensable tool. For the average consumer, it’s the reason food ******** affordable and accessible. The consequences of drastic changes in pesticide policies could ripple through grocery stores, small businesses, and dinner tables across America.

Farming without glyphosate: A house without a hammer

Farmers liken glyphosate to a carpenter’s hammer — simple but essential. This weed ******* enables efficient, cost-effective crop production and supports no-till farming, a technique that preserves soil health and reduces erosion. Without it, farmers would face skyrocketing costs and significantly lower yields, jeopardizing their ability to meet demand.

But Kennedy views glyphosate as a toxin, calling it “a poison” that not only threatens public health but also harms the soil itself. His stance, while rooted in environmental concern, overlooks the reality on the ground: Glyphosate is a necessity, not a luxury, for Iowa farmers.

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The cost of losing a crucial tool

If Kennedy’s policies result in an outright ban on glyphosate, the impact on farming could be catastrophic. Here’s what the future might hold:

Rising costs: Farmers would be forced to adopt expensive alternatives or hire more labor for manual weed control, cutting deeply into already slim profit margins.

Decreased yields: Without effective weed management, crops would compete for sunlight, water, and nutrients, leading to reduced production.

Environmental setbacks: The elimination of glyphosate could force farmers to abandon no-till farming, increasing soil erosion and carbon emissions.

These changes would reverberate beyond the fields, affecting the cost of food, the survival of rural businesses, and America’s food security.

From farm to table: Why it affects you

Farmers may feel the brunt of these changes first, but the effects won’t stop at the farm gate. Here’s how shifts in agricultural policy could hit home for everyone:

Higher grocery bills: Grain shortages would drive up the cost of staples like bread, meat, and dairy, straining household budgets.

Job losses in rural areas: Struggling farmers mean struggling local economies. Co-ops, equipment suppliers, and small-town businesses all depend on agriculture to thrive.

Food security risks: Reduced domestic production would leave the U.S. reliant on foreign food imports, making us vulnerable to supply chain disruptions.

The food system is interconnected. When farmers struggle, we all pay the price.

A better path: Balancing change and support

Kennedy’s concerns about pesticides stem from a ******* to protect public health and the environment, which is commendable. But real progress requires policies grounded in collaboration, empathy, and practicality. Drastic measures without viable alternatives would devastate farmers and rural communities. A more balanced approach is needed.

Here’s what that could look like:

Invest in research and development: Farmers aren’t opposed to change — they just need affordable, effective tools to replace glyphosate. Prioritizing innovation is crucial before enacting bans.

Provide transitional support: Sweeping reforms should come with subsidies, training programs, and time for farmers to adapt. Without these measures, transitions could cripple rural economies.

Collaborate with farmers: Policies must reflect the realities of farming. Bringing farmers into the conversation ensures that solutions are practical, not punitive.

Educate the public: Many Americans don’t understand the challenges of farming. Kennedy has a platform to spotlight these realities and foster public support for sustainable, farmer-friendly solutions.

Change is a process, not an overnight mandate. By working together, policymakers, farmers, and consumers can build a future that prioritizes both sustainability and survival.

Understanding Iowa farmers’ reality

It’s important to emphasize that this isn’t an ******* on Kennedy. His commitment to environmental health and his willingness to challenge conventional systems are admirable. But change cannot happen without understanding the challenges farmers face.

Farmers aren’t villains in this story — they’re the stewards of our food supply. They’re the ones who wake before dawn, battle unpredictable weather, and stretch every dollar to feed the nation. Glyphosate is not their first choice; it’s their only viable option in a system that demands efficiency and yield.

If Kennedy truly wants to leave a positive legacy, he needs to walk Iowa’s fields, hear farmers’ stories, and see firsthand the delicate balance they maintain. Understanding their fears, hopes, and challenges is the first step to crafting fair and effective policies.

Building a food system that works for all

The future of farming isn’t about choosing between sustainability and survival — it’s about finding a way to achieve both. Kennedy has the opportunity to lead meaningful reform, but it must be done with respect and partnership. Farmers want healthier soils, cleaner water, and a sustainable future just as much as anyone else. They need the tools, time, and support to get there.

By combining Kennedy’s passion for a cleaner, healthier world with farmers’ ingenuity and resilience, we can create a food system that works for everyone. It starts with listening, collaborating, and crafting policies that reflect the realities of agriculture.

Farming is about more than feeding a nation — it’s about preserving a way of life. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the choices we make today will determine whether we secure a future that is both sustainable and just. Let’s hope we make the right ones — for farmers, for consumers, and for the generations to come.

Brian Frye is a sixth-generation Iowa farmer, a former crude oil broker, and an energy expert with over 15 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. He is passionate about exploring new opportunities for agricultural growth, fighting for common-sense energy policies, and advocating for the rights of farmers and landowners.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register:

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