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Farmers compare weather notes at Commodity Classic

Farmers are finding commonalities with unusual weather at this year’s Commodity Classic. 

Central Indiana farmer Jim Douglas says 2018 was the worst fall he’s ever had and this week at Commodity Classic he’s finding out misery loves company. “Combining in January you think you’re the lone ranger, but I’ve talked to numerous farmers down here and I’ve only talked to one that was done in a normal time period.”   

AUDIO: Brownfield interview with Jim Douglas

Southeast Michigan farmer Brian Kreps says a wet spring and fall has meant he’s still unsure what he’s exactly planting this year. “Didn’t get all the tillage done last fall that we hoped to get done so still a question mark there as to what my rotation will be.” 

AUDIO: Brownfield interview with Brian Kreps

Northwest Ohio farmer Denny Vennekotter tells Brownfield minus 20 degrees in January has him a little concerned about his wheat crop. “That didn’t have a whole lot of snow on it when that happened, but you really don’t know much until green up how it really came through the winter.”

All three also say trade is a top concern and has hurt profitability on their farms. 

AUDIO: Brownfield interview with Denny Vennekotter