This may sound like a broken record, but evidence continues to accumulate that the ag economy is heading for a downturn., with Midwest crop farmers bracing for lower corn and soybean prices this fall due to projected record yields for these two crops. But it’s not just that Midwest farmers are anticipating a downturn. California farmers are also experiencing low prices for everything from fruit to nuts, and I don’t mean that figuratively. Grape growers are in a particularly unique situation with declining demand for wine, and an increase in imported wine means there's a glut of grapes this year. .California farmers report that there is a surge in the amount of unharvested grapes that still don't have a home. Now, there are fears that this downturn could eventually force more family farmers out of business. Also, the Association of Equipment Manufacturers reported that the total sales of agricultural tractors dropped over 14% in July, compared to the year before and are down almost 12% year-to-date. Combine sales were 19% lower than in July of 2023, and down almost 18% year-to-date. However, the sales of 4-wheel-drive tractors increased over 18.% in July of this year compared to a year ago.
But there is good news for some farmers, because at the end of July, the Biden administration announced that it was issuing about $2 billion in payments to help more than 23,000 agricultural producers who have been affected by discrimination before January of 2021. These people who have or had farming, ranching or forest land will receive between $10,000 and $50,000. Another 20,000 recipients who planned to begin an agriculture operation but were unable to receive a USDA loan will get between $3,500 and $5,000 in assistance.
Better living through chemistry strikes again. The herbicide known as DCPA or Dachtal was pulled from the market by the EPA recently. This weedkiller has been used on crops such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and onions, but the EPA determined that the chemical can impair fetal development and lead to lifelong health problems. This is the first time in 40 years that the agency has made such a move. So if you told your mother that you hated Brussels sprouts, you can feel justified.
Studies have shown that even in protected areas of Colorado, insects have declined by more than 60% over the past few decades, and a recent pollinator study, led by Colorado State University Extension, found that native pollinators are worth billions of dollars to Colorado, and they need protection. The study has resulted in the Nongame, Endangered, or Threatened Wildlife and Rare Plant Conservation Act", a state law that dedicates public funding to study and conserve invertebrates and rare plants. Before this law, invertebrates were not included among wildlife managed by the state. But now, the law authorizes Colorado Parks and Wildlife to make land management decisions based on pollinator conservation, and to establish pollinator-related staff positions. Studies have shown that even in protected areas of Colorado, insects have declined by more than 60% over the past few decades.
Author Wendell Berry wrote, People are fed by the food industry, which pays no attention to health, and are treated by the health industry, which pays no attention to food.”
