Producers Weathering Low Commodity Prices

Current projections show similar low commodity prices in 2017 as there were in 2016.

American Farm Bureau’s Market Intelligence Director John Newton said, while likely, there could be a dramatic change.

“But we’re a weather event away from higher prices or we’re a trade disruption away from lower commodity prices. So, at this point in the year, it’s really way too early to tell.”

Farmers are working on the decisions that will shape their year right now whether it’s planting or management practices.

Newton said farmers are used to the ups and downs of the market and can handle lower prices, but they have to get some help.

“It’s the regulatory environment, it’s the other things that are really critically important to agriculture. And as President Duvall said earlier, regulation is hurting the U.S. farmer, keeps it from doing business.”