It is no secret that we have been having supply difficulties since the COVID-19 pandemic started. We also have geopolitical issues that are interrupting our supply chains and putting everybody, not just agriculture, in a rough spot.
In Agriculture we are looking at increased input costs that have all but eaten away at the increased market prices that farmers are getting. Higher crop prices don?t mean a lot against diesel over $5 per gallon and a 300% or more increase in fertilizer prices. To that end, the House of Representatives passed the Lower Food & Fuel Costs Act that is now waiting for the Senate.
Iowa 3rd District Democrat Cindy Axne told IARN about what Representatives are hearing from the constituents. She added that this was a bipartisan effort that has the full force of the Iowa Delegation behind it. She talked about the need of getting this bill through to the President.
Axne talked about how the Russian invasion of Ukraine has put the fertilizer market into a whirlwind and talks about how a legislative maneuver can help restore some sanity. She also spoke to the prices in the store are not going into the pockets of farmers around the country.
Axne talked more about more availability for having more tools for farmers to have better access to precision ag equipment and practices to help lower our needs for fertilizers. Timing of this could mean we have things ready for the next spring planting season. She added it is time to put control of American industry back into the hands of Americans.
Watch the full segment of our conversation below. We will have more from this discussion next week.
