An optimistic outlook for 2022 despite some unexpected hurdles.
East Tennessee farmer Don Holbert says he’s excited about this year’s crop. “I came off last year, the best year I ever had,” he says. “It was a tremendous year and that let me reinvest in several things to hopefully continue on with that high yield pat that I’m working towards and better soil fertility and a better farm.”
He tells Brownfield Mother Nature is always in the forefront of his mind. “Here where I’m at regionally, I’m not too worried about a weather scare,” he says. “I think I could have another good year. I’m fired up and hope prices can stay up.”
Holbert says in addition to parts availability, labor shortages are also creating challenges. “Every industry, I don’t care what industry it is, is hurting for labor,” he says. “I was having a little issue with my planting tractor last week and I called my local John Deere dealer and they only have two road techs now. And the one guy said he couldn’t get to me for almost 14 days. I mean, that doesn’t work.”
Holbert says he had a late start to planting, but improved weather conditions helped him catch up quickly.
