Farm Progress Industry Survey

At Farm Progress more than 45 farmers answered questions about a variety of agricultural topics. Below are key highlights from survey responses:

• 35% won’t change a thing
• 26% will consider buying more/better crop insurance coverage
• 22% will change their mix of crops (this did not translate into less corn—some will plant more corn to “catch up”.)
• 11% will change their tilling practices (no-till or delay tilling)
• 4% will be trying the new drought products
• 2% will plant earlier

• “Getting livestock fed has been our biggest problem; the already dwindling number of cows will continue to go down.”
• “Corn on corn farmers were affected the most as well as those using older hybrids.”
• “The drought is not affecting equipment purchase decisions—I’m always looking at new models and technology.”
• “Drought has been affecting bottom line, but not what to grow or how to operate.”
• Overall, it seemed younger farmers were more negative than older farmers, potentially indicating that with experience comes better understanding of the ups and downs associated with farming. 

• “Technology in the cabs of tractors and combines.”
• “Probably new seed varieties.”
• “World economy’s impact on ability of international customers to pay for our commodities.”
• “If ethanol doesn’t take hold, due to consumers reacting negatively to higher prices of goods, corn prices will bottom out and farmers will really struggle.”
• “Gain in popularity of organics.”
• “Results of the election.”

Especially poignant was a comment from this farmer: “It’s most challenging that after retiring 20 years ago and just getting back into it, realizing that I have to re-learn how to drive a tractor!”