Why did United States farmers vote for Donald Trump? Rabobank Research General Manager Tim Hunt spoke to The Country's Jamie Mackay today to examine their reasons and to see if Trump is good or bad news for New Zealand farmers.
Donald Trump promised lower taxation which was a drawcard for American farmers says Hunt, as increased state taxes limits the ability to pass on farmland to future generations with the value intact.
Farmers were also encouraged by Trump's ideas to boost the US economy and his promises to "remove the teeth" of the Environmental Protection Agency. Trump has been on record referring to farmers as the "best custodians of the land, not Washington", which resonated with rural voters.
Jamie Mackay says Donald Trump "does not come without fish-hooks" and Tim Hunt is inclined to agree, as his stance on immigration has already started to affect agricultural labour.
Finally Jamie asks Tim if Donald Trump's Presidency have a knock-on effect for Kiwi farmers.
