News

Record-high input costs top farmers’ concerns again

Some farmers say record-high input costs remain their top worry as they gear up for another growing season.

Ness County farmer Dennis McNich says the farm machinery market has created a new dilemma he’s never managed before.  “The cost of new is a hard pill to swallow but then you look at the repairs cost, and you just don’t know which way to turn sometimes.”

Derek Belton of Marion County says it’s been almost impossible to lower costs for his most critical input. “One of the big things that are not helping are the tariffs affecting fertilizer prices and supply. All of that ratchets up our prices and affects our bottom line.”

Doniphan County farmer Brett Neibling says consulting his local seed dealer for the best value proved better than chasing the lowest price. “That’s something that we did. We have really good dealers that I’ve worked with my entire life. They know what we need. We have a conversation at the beginning of the year and we go from there.”

The farmers say that they’re planning on cutting as much costs as they can, but they aren’t willing to sacrifice yields.