Input costs have marched upward, especially for fertilizer. CHS Executive Vice President of Country Operations Rick Dusek says ag retailers have a role in helping the farmer manage that risk. “If you’re going to buy and apply fertilizer at these prices, our suggestion is to lock some in with hedges for new crop.” Dusek admits that is an easier decision for those with a good soil moisture profile. Farmers are also faced with product shortages, including glyphosate and glufosinate. “I think there will be some different mixes and recipes to get the same work done, but fortunately, we invested in a crop protection business a couple years ago that gives us a broader reach across the globe and we have a system that allows us to manage our inventory to bring it where we need it most.”
