CONTINENTAL, Ohio (WLIO) — Former U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown is making a push for support from Ohio farmers as he looks to win back his old Senate seat this November.
Brown stopped in Continental on Thursday to meet with farmers about challenges they are facing, including higher diesel and fertilizer costs, which he attributed to decisions made by incumbent U.S. Sen. Jon Husted. Brown blamed those rising costs on tariffs and the war in Iran, saying both have hurt farmers across rural Ohio. He also pointed to rising health insurance costs for farmers and other small business owners.
“American farmers sold $12 billion of soybeans in calendar year 2024. Last year they sold zero because of the tariffs. These tariffs are a disaster for rural Ohio. They're a disaster for every one of these counties... one gentleman I spoke to has seen just for his family alone, healthcare prices have gone up to $40,000. He pays out of pocket. He has a big farm, but that's money almost nobody could afford,” Brown said.
Brown will face Husted in the Nov. 3 general election.
