Since the Russian invasion five weeks ago, Grand Forks, North Dakota farmer Paul Sproule has had two Zoom calls with Ukrainian farmers. “There’s so much optimism with these gentlemen; every one of them said they would win this war.” Sproule’s connection to these farmers is linked a tour group he’s hosted in recent years that was made up of Ukrainian farmers and businesspeople. After a 20-year moratorium, Ukrainian farmers were able to purchase farmland in 2021. Now, much of that land is a war zone. Sproule said these farmers are dealing with shortages of fuel and other crop inputs, but still plan to plant 45-to-55 percent of their cropland. The biggest challenge is with infrastructure. “Even if the war ends today, there is so much damage to rail, roads and their ports.” The Ukrainian farmers said the Russian soldiers are leaving mines in their fields as they retreat. Sproule praised these farmers for their “tenacity.” Photo credit: Roman Grynshyn, Ukraine
News Categories
Latest RRFN Podcasts
Subscribe to RRFN
Get a weekly digest from RRFN to stay up-to-date on all the latest news in agriculture.