Area Farmers Stressed Heading Into Harvest

DETROIT LAKES (KDLM) – As farmers enter harvest season, many are feeling a larger weight of stress on their shoulders this year than in year’s past.

Minnesota Ag Commissioner Thom Petersen says prices, inputs and the weather are this year’s major stressors for farmers, “Kind of like last year, not as bad. But if we get those nice shots of rains the crop can finish off and everything. But it’s starting to really dry out quite a bit, especially here in the central part of the state.”

The price and availability of fall fertilizer is also worrisome, while Petersen says supply chain issues have not gone away with some farmers wondering if harvest equipment will arrive on time.