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Illinois farmer says uncertainty lingers ahead of planting season

An Illinois farmer says even though he booked his fertilizer last fall, it doesn’t mean he doesn’t have concerns.  Brian Corkill raises corn and soybeans in Henry County. “When you stop the flow of any product, it takes a long time to get things moving and get back to where it needs to be,” he says.  “So I guess I’m a little more concerned about stuff that I might purchase to put on this fall for the next year’s crop.” 

He tells Brownfield, “I do know of farmers that haven’t prepaid or locked in any prices, so they’re really going to be feeling the weight of what’s going on.” 

Corkill says he hasn’t changed his planting intentions because of recent events.  “But I still can, although we’re getting a little bit late in the game now,” he says.  “Seed’s kind of the issue, but I don’t put on fall nitrogen, so I am extremely flexible up until the day I plant.” 

Retail prices for the major fertilizers used by farmers continue to push higher, including urea, which is up more than 30 percent from last month.  

Late Tuesday President Trump announced a two-week cease fire.  

AUDIO: Brian Corkill, Illinois farmer