A sixth-generation Midwest grower says ‘skyrocketing’ startup costs are making it difficult for young farmers to be profitable.
South-Central Nebraska farmer Mitch Oswald says the biggest obstacle is acquiring ground, which can sell in his area anywhere from $9-14,000 an acre. “To be able to be productive and successful in this area, you’re going to have to find any opportunity you can to rent or if you have a chance to buy you’re probably going to take it because you don’t know how much you’re going to be able to buy throughout my lifetime with the way the market is for ground around here.”
The 27-year-old raises corn, seed corn and soybeans and tells Brownfield input and equipment costs are adding up and that makes long term decisions nearly impossible.
