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Farmers who attended Classic not planning drastic changes

Many farmers who attended Commodity Classic say they aren’t making drastic changes as agriculture braces for another year of low commodity prices.

Northeast Iowa farmer Mark Recker says his crop rotation will stay the same.

“You see soybean prices going up, and that may attract a few soybean acres.  I have my rotation down (with) a corn-soy rotation I like.”

Northwest Wisconsin corn and soybean grower Tom Gillis tells Brownfield 2018 should look similar to a year ago from an agronomic standpoint.

“We’re kind of limited with our grain storage and equipment to do any real radical changes.”

He says they will look to shave a few dollars on inputs to hopefully tread water.

Greg Fujan, who farms in east-central Nebraska, says it would be difficult to diversify crops in his region.

“The dry-land area of eastern Nebraska.  (I will) probably focus on reducing input costs and tightening the belt as much as possible in order to remain profitable.”

Most growers who spoke to Brownfield in Anaheim said outstanding yields the last three years have been a saving grace as margins get tighter.

 

Mark Recker audio:

Tom Gillis audio:

Greg Fujan audio: