By Jamie Martin
With fertilizer and seed prices reaching record highs, many farmers are finding it difficult to keep their operations profitable. During testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Iowa farmer Noah Coppess described how persistent cost increases are affecting his family farm.
"I was trying to convey that our input costs have elevated continually. We're having a hard time finding a profit on our farm," said Coppess. "We don't have any negotiating power in some areas, and it's time to take a look at that and what the reasoning is behind that. Things are pretty tough on the farm right now."
Coppess said his family is rethinking their business structure to stay viable. “Does it still work? My wife works full-time on the farm, and we’re trying to figure out how to adjust. We’re being cautious and using fewer inputs, but that adds risk.”
"Well, if you don't tell it, somebody else is going to tell it for you, so you need to pick what narrative you want," said Coppess. "I know what's going on on my farm, so I need to tell that story. So, for me, my first step getting involved would be to reach out, get involved in my local Farm Bureau. Get involved in something local with the folks in your county, and you can pick how involved you want to be at that point."
Coppess’s remarks highlight a broader issue facing agriculture—rising input costs and limited negotiating power threaten the stability of family farms. Lawmakers are increasingly recognizing the need to address these challenges to ensure the sustainability of rural communities.
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Categories: National