Spring Decision Making On The Farm

In many parts of the nation farmers are already getting equipment ready for field work. As we check in with our members from around the world we're often caught by how so many farmers are facing the some of the roughest times since the early 1980's. With low commodity prices, for the fifth year in a row, and trade issues times in Rural America are tough.

Just last week we saw a story from Reuters that growing numbers of grain farmers are choosing to shed their machinery and find renters for their land. As these older grain farmers are retiring, fewer younger people are lining up to replace them.

While auction houses are winning...it’s putting a major strain on the farming community and the entire agricultural supply chain.

Think of it...fewer farmers means fewer customers for seed and chemical companies, fewer machine buyers, and fewer suppliers for grain merchants. 

We've heard from several members that business is still good as many farmers seek ways to cut down on repair costs by doing more of the work themselves. We've also heard that some members are actively trying to find ways to be even more assistive to their customers.

We're all in this together and times will get better. Our goal, as an association, is to continue to support our members and the many, many farmers that feed the world. Stay strong.