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There were many farmers unhappy with both presidential candidates on Wednesday at the annual Farmfest show in southwest Minnesota.  

At an event where talk about politics is as common as talk about corn prices, participants were unusually undecided and reticent about the presidential candidates. 

Nationally, farmers are overwhelmingly inclined to vote Republican, according to the 

2016 Agri-Pulse Communications Producer Survey

One farmer, who said he typically votes Republican, declined an interview request but threw up his hands, asking "is this the best we can do?"  

The farmers' indecision and disappointment are somewhat of a microcosm for many Americans' attitudes this election. Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton are two of the 

most unpopular major party candidates of all time

10 questions to ask if you're Never Trump but also Not With Her

The common theme in over a dozen conversations at Farmfest was this: They would never vote for Clinton, but weren't ready to commit to Trump either. Several people said their vote would come down to which candidate was the lesser evil.

Some farmers thought Trump talked too much. Roger Knudson of Westbrook, Minn., said Trump's rhetoric is "demeaning of everyone."   


Knudson said he's leaning toward Clinton, but may still change his mind.  


Others were concerned about Trump's immigration positions, saying U.S. agriculture needs workers from other countries to help fill open positions. There was plenty of criticism of Clinton as well, with several farmers saying they don't trust her.   


Kyle Noyes, who works part time on his family farm, says Trump needs to do better to win his vote.

"I consider myself to be a Republican, but a little disappointed in our candidate," Noyes said. "Lack of specifics and he seems to always be putting his foot in his mouth. Just the way he handles himself, I don't like it, I guess."

Tom Olsem, who farms near the town of Dundee, wondered how much farmers will get out of either campaign. He says there hasn't been much mention of agriculture yet in the war of words this campaign season.


But there's still three months to go, and he's hoping his industry gets a little more attention.  

The three-day agriculture show near Redwood Falls, Minn., concludes this year's run on Thursday.

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Mark Steil

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Farmers tend to vote Republican, but those at this year's Farmfest in southwest Minnesota were unusually undecided and reticent about the presidential candidates.

At Farmfest, atypical uncertainty on presidential race

Farmers were largely undecided at Farmfest.

At Farmfest, atypical uncertainty on presidential race

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