WPS Farm Show at EAA grounds in Oshkosh, April 2, 2025. PC: Fox 11 Online
OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The latest round of tariffs issued Wednesday is being met with mixed reaction.
President Donald Trump calls his economic plan “Liberation Day” while opponents say the move may lead to higher prices.
The 63rd WPS Farm Show at the EAA Grounds in Oshkosh served as the backdrop Wednesday.
With more than 400 exhibitors from 21 states and three countries, the annual WPS Farm Show has a lot to offer. But inside Hangar D, money and the economy are on the minds of many.
Jean Klug and her family are from West Bend.
“It’s hitting the pocketbook a little bit harder. But I guess we just have to put up with it, and hopefully in the end, we’ll come ahead,” said Klug.
A few aisles over, Roger Zentner of Oshkosh says he’s thinking about the weather, his crops and tariffs, too.
“Tariffs are kind of like a double-edged sword. You don’t know which way it is, good or bad, or what’s going to happen. And it can be a good thing, but then again, these other countries might turn their backs on us. We don’t know what we can do then,” said Zentner.
“I would say a lot of our vendors are still in a wait and see mode. They want to see some stuff finalized,” said Kevin Sommer. He co-owns Service Motor Company. The implement dealer sells large equipment, built mainly in the United States.
“A lot of manufacturing does come from a lot of allied countries. So now, if tariffs are going to come in, probably a lot of our components do come from other parts of the world. So, at least that if it’s a wiring harness, or other things like that, that could be affected by tariffs. But we also see that our competitors are going to have to deal with it as well. So, unfortunately, I would say that we do see that cost be passed on to the consumer,” said Sommer.
When is it going to end?
“That’s a good question. When is the tariff going to end? I think that we’re in for a while, and we’ll have to wait and see what happens,” said Klug.
Discussions about tariffs are likely to continue. The WPS Farm Show wraps up Thursday.
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