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 From
a variety of sources with varying interests in the 2023 farming
season, LDN collected several opinions, all of which are worthy of
contemplation.
Generally speaking the primary concerns voiced in the answers
revolve around interest rates, uncertainly of markets, supply
issues, labor and freight shortages, fuel and learning new
practices.
Stan Anderson
AHW
New Holland
One answer, from Stan Anderson at AHW in New Holland is particularly
interesting as it causes one to wonder, what new practices should we
be learning? Anderson said that a challenge for some will be thinks
one of the challenges for area farmers will be learning and keeping
up with new practices.
LDN dug a little deeper and found one new development in farming in
the unmanned or autonomous tractor for tillage. This could be a
great thing, and is closer to reality in Logan County than one would
imagine. But for some producers the learning curve is going to be
steep. Think invisible fences (GEO fencing), remote cameras with
360-degree views, and having the courage to leave a running, moving
tractor in the field unattended. That, in itself, is going to be a
big challenge for some of our ‘hands on’ farmers.
Anderson is looking forward to the new machines and is hopeful they
will be available in Logan County soon.
Neal Stimpert
Atlanta National Bank
"Interest rates for ag loans are up. So inflation is going to be a
challenge for those that need to borrow. So if inputs stay high then
prices at market need to stay high. One of the ways they may offset
costs might be to utilize unused farmland."
Brad Close
Beason Ag Center
Brad Close echoes the uncertainty of the markets being a factor.
"Right now the markets are strong and the cost of inputs, compared
to last year, have been a bit down."
Troy Bauer
Hartsburg Grain Co.
Troy Bauer agrees with Brad Close. "Farmers are in a good place, if
they don’t have to borrow a lot of money. Most of their (input)
costs have already been prepaid.”
Todd Steinberg
TopFlight
Todd Steinberg also agrees and adds, "Costs have already been paid.
Now we hope the markets stay up."
Nate Rohlfs
Rohlfs Implement
Nate Rohlfs says parts and equipment is still a challenge, but it is
an area where he is seeing improvement. "Supply issues with
equipment and parts have gotten better. They are not where they
were, but things are getting better."
[to top of second column] |
Alan Guile
Nutrein Ag
Alan Guile in Atlanta says he sees the high input prices, in
addition with storage, fuel, freight and labor as being a big
concern if markets go lower.
John Olson
Olson Farms
John Olson affirms the need to balance inputs and grain prices. "
With (input) costs up, the need for good market prices is
essential."
Sun Ag
Emden
The guys at Sun Ag in Emden said, "All in all, we each see the
result of higher prices at the grocery and on every other product we
buy. The budget is the budget, so we need to think smarter and find
ways to keep costs under control. The farmers just deal with this on
a lot bigger scale."
Ultimately, the challenges faced by Logan County producers are not
all that different this year from previous years. There will always
be challenges in the field and within the budget and checkbook.
As the guys from Sun Ag noted, they will have to think smarter, plan
well, and be careful in the decision making process.
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