(Progressive Farmer image by Barry Falkner/Brent Warren)

OMAHA (DTN) -- From taxes to trade to immigration, energy and the environment, farmers nationally expect a front-row seat to the battles sure to commence once Donald Trump moves into the White House next month.

The DTN/The Progressive Farmer election poll featured in the November issue of the magazine predicted farmers and rural residents would be highly motivated participants in the election -- and they have strong opinions about renewable energy, taxes, transportation and the farm bill.

Our poll is the third "The Pulse of Rural America" presidential-year survey going back to 2008. It was conducted by Zogby Analytics, Utica, New York, in August. Of the 1,647 rural residents who completed the survey, 42% either farm or have immediate family members who farm.

Of that 1,647 people, 65% of the respondents were in the age range of 35 to 69 years old. Fifty-seven percent don't have a college education, while 43% indicated they had a bachelor's degree or higher. Nationally, 38% of Americans have a college degree. Respondents fell evenly across all income levels, from less than $25,000 per year to more than $100,000. Eighty percent of the respondents are white, while 49% are female and 51% male.

MONEY NOT WELL SPENT

When it comes to tax dollars, only 6% of respondents strongly agree the taxes they pay match the service provided by local, state and federal agencies of government, while 27% somewhat disagree. Meanwhile, 57% of those polled either somewhat disagreed or strongly disagreed that their tax dollars are being well-spent. In a follow-up question, 70% somewhat or strongly agreed their roads and bridges are not repaired in a timely fashion. "I pay taxes that are too high for what I get," said Joel Lange of Jefferson, Iowa.

If Trump's proposed tax plan is enacted, seven tax brackets would become three, with the highest rate at 33%. The estate tax would be eliminated, and corporate tax rates would be lowered to 15%.

SAFETY NET

Farmers also don't feel they have the same kind of government support that they had in the past. When asked if the current federal farm program provides an adequate safety net for their businesses, 52% say they strongly or somewhat disagree. Only 6% strongly agreed that the farm program is adequate. Another 26% somewhat agreed the farm bill helps protect their farming business interests.