Farmers Wary of Supply Chains, Shipping Delays as Harvest Progresses

Supply chain bottlenecks and shipping issues are leaving some farmers uneasy during harvest. Greg Greving who farms in Central Nebraska says he was left waiting in the spring for parts and is worried that might happen again. “To have a tractor down for three weeks during planting, and even more so having a combine down any more than a few hours, will be devastating to some operations.” 

Glenn Brunkow grows corn and soybeans in Northeast Kansas. “I’m worried about transportation,” he says. “We’ve waited a long time for parts and inputs and now I’m a little worried about getting grain shipped out as we bring it in.  I’m really concerned about things going forward.” He has had equipment stuck in shipping, which could indicate a larger problem. “If we’re having trouble finding trucks to haul freight, then we’re going to have trouble finding truckers and trucks to haul commodities.”

EDITOR’S TAKE:

Let’s hope these fears are either unfounded or less severe than current thinking might suggest. The most immediate issues have to do with parts and repairs for equipment during harvest and locating enough storage to put that grain until it can be shipped to processors or export markets. Beyond that, thoughts will turn to planting season and making sure there is enough seed, fertilizer and crop protection supplies available to get all the acreage planted. The ideal scenario would be recognition by the country’s leaders that we must unclog the congestion sooner than later and that they act now. The overall outlook is still very positive for ag, but farmers/ranchers are not immune to these types of thoughts and how this could impact their operations in the short-run.