Tariffs could hit state farmers

Any battle over tariffs between the United States and Canada, China, and Mexico is worrisome, but if it escalates, it will hit Washington farmers particularly hard. Avoiding that possibility should be a primary goal.

Tariffs could trigger new trade wars. The last retaliation in tariffs eight years ago hurt agriculture.

"A trade war with economic partners is the last thing our farmers and ranchers need," said Congressman Dan Newhouse (R-WA4), whose family owns and operates an 850 acre farm near Sunnyside. Excessive costs, turbulent markets, inflation, and an outdated Farm Bill are already contr...