The coming spring always brings renewed hope and optimism, but the planting season is upon us and farmers face many challenges.
Parts of Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa are still suffering from a prolonged drought, and the war in Ukraine has sent fertilizer prices and fuel costs skyrocketing and rattled some of the grain futures markets.
On March 5, the price of wheat futures on the Chicago Board of Trade hit an all-time high of $13.50 a bushel. It has since retreated to the $10.50 range, but there are clear concerns about how the situation in Ukraine will affect wheat production after the 2021 world harvest turned out to be lower than expected.
At first glance, the prospect of rising grain prices seems like good news for farmers, but bad news for consumers, who have already seen inflationary food price increases. And it will cost a lot more to grow crops this spring, thanks to expensive fertilizer and diesel fuel.
Potash has doubled compared to last year and anhydrous is up more than 150%. Prices are already rising because of the rising cost of natural gas – the main source of nitrogen fertilizers.
The US produces most of its own ammonia and phosphate and depends on Canada for 90% of its potash. But countries like Brazil import 85% of their fertilizers, with Russia being a key supplier.
All of this uncertainty is worrying enough that the US Department of Agriculture is launching an investigation into the fertilizer, seed and retail markets.
“Concentrated market structures and potentially anti-competitive practices leave America’s farmers, businesses and consumers facing higher costs, less choice and less control over where to buy and sell, and less innovation – which it ultimately does for those who grow our food.” , making it harder to survive,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack.
In contrast, the challenge with the weather seems tame. There is good news, at least on this front. The National Weather Service said precipitation in the first week of March, ranging from a half inch to almost 2.5 inches, helped fuel unusually dry conditions in parts of southeast Minnesota, northeast Iowa and west-central Wisconsin alleviate.
But there is no change to the moderate to severe drought conditions in parts of central Wisconsin and the moderate drought in parts of northeast Iowa and southwest Wisconsin. As of April 1, 2021, this area has experienced rainfall deficits ranging from 9 to 15 inches.
Winter drought is not as noticeable as summer drought, but dry soil allows frost to penetrate deeper, which can affect crops like alfalfa. And moisture is needed when the growing season begins.
The challenges might be a bit steeper this year, but an unpredictable farming future is pretty normal for our farming friends. As I have said many times before, nothing in farming is predictable and easy.
Decorah update
I have heard from many readers about my recent column on Decorah’s Peak and the history of the Ho-Chunk Decorah family.
One of them was Gary Tilleros of Burlington, who said his family was from the Decorah area of Iowa. There is the Big Canoe Lutheran Church on Big Canoe Road. The church was named after One-Eyed Decorah, also known as Big Canoe.
According to the church’s history page, it was named after the entire area in which it is located because the area was named after the Native American chief. “In any case, the name ‘Big Canoe’ stands as a tribute to the people who enjoyed this country even before the Norwegian immigrants arrived,” says the church history.
Thanks for adding to the story, Gary. I’m always happy to hear from readers.
Chris Hardie has been a reporter, editor and publisher for more than 30 years. He was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize and has won dozens of state and national journalism awards. He is past President of the Wisconsin Newspaper Association. Contact him at [email protected]
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