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Illinois farmer says as planting season nears, he’s ready

A southern Illinois farmer says he’s patiently awaiting the start of the 2023 planting season.

Matt Rush says some of the major challenges farmers faced in 2022, like supply chain issues and parts availability have improved.  “We’ve been working on things in the shop this winter and I’ve not had any issues yet,” he says.  “But inevitably it (availability issues) will show up when we need that part at the last minute.”

He tells Brownfield high input prices have also fallen back some.  “Which is always encouraging,” he says.  “But then along with that I think the price of corn has fallen the last couple of weeks as well.  It’s a give-and-take and at the end of the day we’ll make it work.”

However, Rush says when the ground is ready, we’re ready.  “We’re ready to do what we do and do what we love,” he says.  “But Mother Nature will tell us when it’s time.”

Rush raises corn, soybeans, and wheat in Fairfield – about an hour south of Effingham. Brownfield interviewed Rush during the recent Commodity Classic in Orlando, Florida.
AUDIO: Matt Rush, IL Farmer