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Farmers preparing for the unexpected

An Indiana farmer says he’s optimistic about the upcoming growing season despite skyrocketing input costs.

Mike Beard tells Brownfield it’s really looking like a good season.  “Price-wise we have excellent crop insurance prices for corn and soybeans, those were set in February,” he says. “It’s kind of an exciting time, but it’s a little scary.”

He says one of the biggest challenges for farmers right now is navigating the uncertainty, and that’s been a big topic for farmers at this week’s Commodity Classic.  “That bevy of black swans that are congregating at the borders of the US export opportunities,” he says.  “Then we’re also discussing the cost of inputs and what government programs might be coming down the road.”

Beard is a director for the Indiana Corn Growers Association and spoke with Brownfield during the recent Commodity Classic.  

AUDIO: Mike Beard, Indiana Corn Growers Association