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Next generation concerned about high input costs

Rising input costs and inflation are top concerns for the next generation of Missouri producers.

Northeastern Missouri farmer and Missouri Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Chairman Andrew Boerding tells Brownfield while fertilizer costs have improved, it’s still the most expensive input on his family’s farm.

“I think we’re just in a situation where you have to hold tight and hope for the best. Hopefully, there’s light at the end of the tunnel. We’ll see what happens.”

Former Missouri Young Farmer and Ranchers Committee Chairman and northwest Missouri farmer Bryant Kagay says he’s using data from yield maps and on-farm trials to evaluate ways to improve soil fertility and save costs.

“One of the tests I’ve done is on the application of sulfur. We used to get sulfur freely from the environment, but that’s changed. We’ve seen promising results to applying sulfur and getting better use out of nitrogen and better yields with that one element.”

Kagay says the other top input cost for his farm is labor, which is getting more difficult to find.

“We definitely need people with the skills to operate some of the newer, more high tech equipment, but also the ability to handle livestock. We need people who know good livestock handling practices and procedures to keep everyone safe and healthy.”

Brownfield interviewed Boerding and Kagay during the Missouri Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers and Ranchers Conference this past weekend.