News

Northwest Iowa farmer takes steps to protect fall input costs

A northwest Iowa farmer has secured fuel and fertilizer needs for this fall.

“The barrels are full and the fertilizer is bought.”

Jolene Riessen of Ida Grove tells Brownfield.

“I made the mistake last year of not buying in the fall and paying for it in the spring when the fertilizer (prices) jumped up to $1,000. That was mismanagement on my part and I will own that.”

She says corn and soybean prices have improved.

“Prices are certainly working with us way better than it has pretty much all summer, that part’s been dismal trying to get corn marketed during the summer months and stuff. So this has been a nice boost in order to get some forward sales made.”

Riessen says margins are still extremely tight and she hopes Congress will provide additional financial aid to farmers.