The old saying “The more things change, the more they stay the same” is true and seems to be more that way as we move forward. The things that are changing are the markets.

Fertilizer prices have been on a dramatic run since the end of 2020. Global urea prices increased by more than 130% from January to October 2021.

Farm Equipment has been tracking farm equipment brand loyalty since 2010 in 12 states. In 2014, 69% of the farmers claimed to be brand loyal. In 2017, 75% were brand loyal. But in 2020, only 63% advocated brand loyalty (a quick 12% drop).

This column should be about new beginnings, goals, an analysis of the state’s farm economy and maybe some commentary about hard winters, fertilizer prices and why the heck we are losing so many good extension folks.

I can’t remember what David was buying – irrigation pipe, feed, tractor parts, it doesn’t matter. He was buying something that required cash (or at least a check) on the barrel, and so he had taken the farm checkbook with him.

Despite severe drought, cash receipts for every major crop and livestock commodity were higher in 2021 than in 2020.