Farmers need support to use best practices

As a semi-retired farmer who custom-farms some of the land and rents the rest to young farmers, I am involved with the situation that farmers are facing.

Prices of commodities have ben low due to four years of excellent crops. This year there will be some farmers that will not be able to plant a crop. Prevented planting pays about half of market value. Not all farmers will be farming next year.

All farmers are having issues with flooding and soil erosion. Every taxpayer needs to contact legislators to get help for farmers to start no-till and cover crops.

Landowners who rent need to communicate with the farmer about using new soil health methods on their farm. This may include lowering the rent to get no-till and cover crops on the farm.

Al Schafbuch

Dysart