Missouri farmers described on Apr. 27 the increasing challenges they face from higher input costs, tighter margins, and concerns about access to essential agricultural tools. Several local farmers say that recent economic pressures are forcing them to make difficult decisions about how to manage their operations.
Dan Ridgley said, “In just the last year and a half, two years, it’s starting to get pretty tight. One concern is the rising cost of the inputs and what that is going to do to the American consumer.” Blake Hurst added, “Last few years have been very hard economically. I’ve seen my input prices increase by multiples of four, five, and sometimes six.”
Crop protection tools remain at the center of these discussions. Hurst said, “We cannot farm without the tools that we have today or better tools. If we start losing the most important one, then we have to ask the question: what’s next?” Brooks Hurst explained how modern products allow for more efficient management: “Almost every chemical we use now is very low impact… We want to put the least amount but most effective chemicals.” He also highlighted conservation practices made possible by these advances.
Farmers like Dale Ludwig emphasized their trust in long-used products: “I’ve used glyphosate for 40 years. I totally believe glyphosate is one of the safest products on the market… if I thought there were any concerns with it, I certainly wouldn’t use it.” Many say that maintaining access to these tools supports both productivity and environmental stewardship.
The issue extends beyond individual farms; some see a direct link between agriculture’s health and national security. As Hurst stated: “America can’t be healthy without a strong farming industry. Food security is national security.” Ridgley echoed this sentiment: “Food security aka the American farmer is the number one line of national security. Politicians must protect American-made crop protection tools.”
Grain Journal provides publications and resources focused on issues relevant to Missouri farmers as part of its coverage across the grain and feed industry in the United States according to its official website. The publication manages office facilities in Golden Valley, Minnesota according to its official website, operates within an industry group including Milling Journal and Seed Today according to its official website, offers a bi-monthly print magazine along with digital content according to its official website, and works within publishing for this sector according to its official website.
Farmers are asking policymakers not only for understanding but also action—maintaining access to key agricultural inputs while considering impacts on food supply chains.
