That old Chinese curse – "May you live in interesting times" – keeps coming home to roost. But what does "interesting" mean for your farm and what do you do about it? To get some answers the latest Farm Progress PANEL asked the following question: "We're now into the new year, what single issue is top of mind for you now?"

We offered up four answers – and did not allow the "easy out" of "all of the above." The point was to see what bubbled to the surface of all the issues farmers are facing. And we know the PANEL is well connected on that front.

It's after January so one choice – "Maintaining landowner relations" – came in last at just 6% of respondents. You've already committed yourself to rents for 2022, but even in crisis times, managing those relationships can matter.

The next highest response came in reply to the statement – "Getting parts to keep equipment running." With 14% responding that was top-of-mind it's good news that most PANEL members have gotten that squared away on their operations. Chances are "squared away" may mean more about getting by than being satisfied with the situation.

At No. 2 with 29% of respondents making the choice was "Locking in crop/livestock sales prices." While one respondent commented that farmers should already be doing the pricing and acquiring inputs, this market challenges the best. Keeping this as a near-top choice as a response.

The No. 1 response with more than half making this choice was for "Acquiring inputs for this season." No real surprise here. With talk of more embargoes on nitrogen, continued limits on chemical production that reaches back to that ice storm in Texas last winter it's not hard to believe this is the top choice.

However, just half responded it was an issue showing that the other half may feel they've gotten things under control. We wish you well into the 2022 planting season.

One note, we did get a comment not related to the four choices we offered. "Exploding property taxes" was one PANEList's comment. It's a fair question to ask about in the future.

Thanks to everyone who responded to these PANEL questions.\

Let your voice be heard

The Farm Progress PANEL is your chance to share your thoughts on key issues. To take part, start by signing up for our daily mobile text service Farm Progress NOW. To do that text FARM to 20505, and be sure to respond to the text that follows we have a double opt-in system to make sure you're signed up.

Later in one of our daily update texts we'll provide information about how to sign up for the PANEL. If you opt in, be sure to answer when questions come your way.