Rain has probably hurt farmers more than the threat of tariffs by President Trump.

The President is well aware that when he threatens China or others with tariffs, that could retaliate with their own tariffs and that could have an adverse effect on farmers in America.

Trump got a special appropriation to ease that situation with farmers and that should help.

The problem for many farmers in Oklahoma and the Upper Midwest is the amount of rainfall this spring. The rains delayed some planting and floods – especially in Northeast Oklahoma – washed out fields that were already planted. Many farmers have crop insurance but that most covers the cost of replacement seeds.

America has the most efficient and most productive farmers in the world. They form the bread basket of the world. Farm exports in Oklahoma and other states are an important part of our economy. A poor season can be devastating to family-owned farms.

But this isn’t the first time that it has rained a lot in the spring and farmers are very resourceful. And many farmers are conservative and they understand that it’s not good for America to continue to have gigantic trade deficits with countries overseas.

In fact, some wheat farmers in places like South Dakota think the spring rains will help produce a record wheat crop.

Trump knows how to make deals and to make deals stick. He has the courage that previous presidents lacked to drive a hard bargain. The situation is that these countries need America much more than we need them.

In the end, these tariffs will level the playing field and American farmers, businesses and consumers will reap the benefits.