Montana wheat growers warn U.S.-Canada tariffs threaten equipment and grain markets

Montana’s grain sector is confronting a fresh wave of challenges as the U.S. trade dispute with Canada escalates. After the Trump administration imposed tariffs on Canadian products, Ottawa responded with duties on $20 billion of U.S. goods, including farm equipment that many Montana growers rely on for its favorable exchange rate. Wheat farmers like Steve Sheffels and Lee Dahlman warn that the added 15% or higher tariff could make new drills and grain bins unaffordable.

To offset higher input costs, some are adopting soil-based probiotics and planting nitrogen-fixing legumes such as chickpeas and lentils. The region’s economy is tightly linked to Canada, which handles roughly $1 billion in trade and supplies feed for Montana cattle. State officials acknowledge the strain but also see opportunities for more regional markets. Farmers hope the tariff standoff will resolve into a stable agreement.