Coming off an unprecedented year of agriculture, what will 2021 bring? What will make for a smooth year of farming and improved profitability?
We asked local farmers to give us their views and perspectives for the 2021 farm year.
Stacey Dolder
Somonauk Farmer
“I’m not sad to see 2020 go. I’m cautiously optimistic, but I think 2021 is going to be a great year for production agriculture. We have a new horizon in these grain markets now that we haven’t seen for a few years, and better technology than ever before for growing precision crops.
We need to grow this year’s crops as economically as we can because I’m afraid our expenses will rise along with these higher grain prices. It’s our obligation as American farmers to produce high quality commodities to feed this ever hungry world we live in.”
Dan Steimel
DeKalb Farmer
“After a very wet May and dry August last year, it is easy to ask for “normal” weather, but we know that never happens. May we never have grocery store shelves empty or product processing chains disrupted again. 2020 was a great year to spend time with family on the farm, but let’s hope they go back to school.
It looks like there will be some marketing opportunities in 2021 and I hope to be disciplined enough to take advantage of them. Finally, with many challenges ahead, I hope we can find some political peace in 2021, somehow.”
Jeff Heinsohn
Kirkland Farmer
“I’m hopeful for smoother travels through 2021, if nothing else we are more prepared. The ag industry does an amazing job of getting fresh wholesome food to the consumers when, where, and how consumers want it – considering the challenges to adapt to and meet consumer needs in 2020. Hopefully the industry has learned a few tricks and is better prepared.
I’m hoping that a positive outcome of 2020 can be that consumers and government officials may have more appreciation for their food, where it comes from and the lengths that local farmers and processors go through, to bring food to them. And hope we continue to see a shift of thoughts from the idea we want cheap food – to the idea we want healthy, safe, nutritionally dense food that can sustain all of our health and a healthy rural economy.”
Norm Larson
Maple Park Farmer
“2020 was similar to other years where weather did not support a bumper crop. January 2021 is similar to other years where we are given a blank slate with plans and hopes for weather that allows us to get higher yields. Markets are similarly being influenced by South America experiencing hot and dry weather and no new crop here in the Midwest for eight more months.”
“The best strategy I see is to be patient and let the markets develop. 2020 saw most farmers getting everything sold early and they missed out when the market turned higher in August. I think that patience will get the best prices in 2021.”