Farm Progress

The Farm Progress PANEL respondents tell us their biggest issues as weather turns to spring

Willie Vogt

April 11, 2022

2 Min Read
planting-corns-farm-progress-panel
PLANTING WORRIES: Farmers responding to the latest Farm Progress PANEL shared their worries about the 2022 planting season.Willie Vogt

In some parts of the country planters are rolling, while elsewhere farmers watch the weather and soil temperatures waiting for spring to truly arrive. But what's top-of-mind for the 2022 planting season right now? It turns out there are some key issues even as those planters roll.

The Farm Progress PANEL asked this question: As planters roll, what's your biggest support shortage/worry this season?

There was some good news in the responses. For example, just 2% shared they were worried about seed supply. At this time of year, chances are good if you are still worried there may be other issues to consider. Most respondents have their seed and are ready to roll when Nature agrees.

The next worry in the responses was labor which is impacting about 18% of respondents. Whether you run a business in town or on the farm, the growing labor shortage continues to be a hot topic. For nearly one-fifth of our respondents this remains a concern.

Breakdowns are a challenge at planting given the tighter planting windows visited on the industry the last few years. With today's supply challenges that raises parts as the next big worry with nearly one-third of respondents listing that as an issue. A planter going down with no spare parts on hand can be more costly than the price of the missing piece.

It may be no surprise to readers than nearly half of respondents listed fertilizer availability/cost as a worry in this poll. The 48% who listed this issue are still dealing with the fallout of last fall's run up in anhydrous prices yet facing cost increases for in-season UAN and other products too. The 2022 crop season continues to challenge farmers even as record high crop prices continue.

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. And thanks to the respondents for helping us out.

Note: The Farm Progress PANEL is an opt-in SMS-based group. If you are a part of the panel, you may text STOP to unsubscribe.

About the Author(s)

Willie Vogt

Willie Vogt has been covering agricultural technology for more than 40 years, with most of that time as editorial director for Farm Progress. He is passionate about helping farmers better understand how technology can help them succeed, when appropriately applied.

Subscribe to receive top agriculture news
Be informed daily with these free e-newsletters

You May Also Like