|
According to Illinois Farm Bureau Vice President Evan Hultine,
the year proved the power of technology because farmers were
helped to compensate for dry spells, one lasting seven weeks.
Summing it up for The Center Square, Hultine said “it wasn’t
record yields but it was pretty darn good corn yields.”
While corn remained on an upward trend, soybeans missed the mark
a bit, he said of crops used primarily for livestock and biofuel.
“The beans were a slight disappointment in some spots but really
nothing bad,” he said. That’s because even soybeans did not dip
below average in production levels.
The economy also proved a stress point for farmers in 2023 as
inflation spiked input costs like that of seed, and crops met
decreased demand with competition from other lands.
Considering the numerous obstacles before farmers in 2023, this
measure of success was more than they could have predicted.
“I would say in general overall people were pleasantly surprised
with the yields,” Hultine said, adding that even his orchard
experienced a sensational year.
As farmers enter 2024 with good moisture levels, he said there’s
hope for another year of strong crops. On the legislative front,
a major issue facing farmers is expected to be the impact of
California’s Proposition 12, which took effect in January with
regulations on pig farming.
Additionally, the Illinois Farm Bureau is working to see a new
federal Farm Bill enacted with updated policies and programs for
farmers. Whether that bill gets enacted in 2024 remains to be
seen.
“With everything else going on in DC politically, it’s going to
be a hard lift to get a Farm Bill passed this year,” Hultine
said.
But despite obstacles, the Illinois Farm Bureau and others are
working hard to keep the Farm Bill in the forefront, he said.
|
|
