Trump signs and flags are a common sight across much of rural Michigan.

The Michigan Farm Bureau has already given their endorsement to the incumbent president and that appears to reflect the view of many farmers in the state.

"I believe that Trump is invested in rural America. Not just farmers but rural America. Rural America is squarely behind Trump," Farmer Brian McKenzie said.

This is a crucial time of the year for U.S. farmers. as they harvest the land before the onset of winter. But like many Americans, they are also keeping a close eye on the presidential election.

"Is he kind of bombastic, yeah, I think it is but I think everyone would think that. But he is still my guy. And I think that is fairly general for most farmers in my neighborhood,” added Farmer Mark Kies.

Despite the optimism for Trump in rural Michigan, the Democrats can count on significant support in the state’s urban areas.  According to the latest polls, Biden’s lead is widening in Michigan. But polls here also had Democrat Hillary Clinton ahead in the 2016 election. 

McKenzie is a third generation Michigan farmer who farms hogs, corn and soybeans.  

"American farmers are solely behind Trump’s ag policy. So, I think that no poor debate preparation is going to sway the American farmer in support of Trump. Everything has to be paid for, and a lot of the policies of Biden kind of scare us, I don’t know how we will pay for all of this," he said.

It has been a difficult time for U.S. farmers, following years of low commodity prices amid trade deal disruptions.

Rural America 2020, a national campaign group, say Trump’s trade policies have been costly for farmers and led to an increase in bankruptcies and suicides. They have also criticized Trump’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic saying it has further impacted dairy, livestock and fresh produce farmers. 


But Kies, a fifth-generation grain and livestock farmer feels U.S. farming is now on the right track. 

"I think we are starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel. And I don’t think it is a freight train and I would hate to think that we have to back up and redo some of the things. We know what kind of hit we took. We don’t want to go back there," Kies said.

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