Des Moines Sun

Senator Chuck Grassley, a Republican representing Iowa, recently used his social media platform to comment on ongoing challenges facing American farmers and rising tensions in Eastern Europe. Grassley's posts highlighted concerns over the agricultural economy as well as recent military escalations by Russia.

On September 20, 2025, Grassley referenced a major event supporting farmers at the University of Minnesota Stadium. He stated, "The benefit concert for farmers facing economic crisis because of low grain prices going on now at U of Minnesota Stadium The tens of thousands of ppl that hv showed up it’s reminiscent of the 1980s farm crisis Significant this yr w what’s going on in ag economy".

Later that evening, he continued his commentary with a message urging public awareness about the difficulties family farmers are currently experiencing. Grassley wrote, "I hope ppl wake up to the fact of just how bad it is for the family farmer w the losses that we’re having on all types of GRAIN

THX TO WILLIE NELSON for singing to help farmers #cornwatch #soybeanwatch".

Two days later, on September 22, Grassley shifted focus to international security concerns involving Russia and NATO allies. He posted: "1st Putin sends many drones 2 Poland then 3 warplanes 2 Estonia He’s testing us by escalating I expect strong response from NATO at Tues mtg".

Grassley's comments come during a period marked by declining grain prices and mounting financial stress for U.S. farmers. The reference to the "1980s farm crisis" alludes to a historical era when many American farms faced foreclosure due to high debt loads and falling commodity prices. Today, similar pressures persist in rural communities across the Midwest.

Willie Nelson's participation in benefit concerts echoes his longstanding advocacy for American agriculture through Farm Aid events since the mid-1980s. Such efforts aim to raise funds and awareness for struggling producers.

On foreign policy, Grassley's remarks about Russian military actions refer to heightened tensions between Russia and NATO member states Poland and Estonia. In recent years, drone incursions and airspace violations have contributed to regional insecurity, prompting calls for coordinated responses among alliance members.