Dvergsten: Many Farmers Below Break-Even

Even with generally good yields, Northland Farm Business Management Instructor Ron Dvergsten says farmers are struggling to make a profit. “This is really, for several people, probably a third year of prices really not quite where they need to be to turn any type of significant profit.” There’s no silver bullet to solve this situation. “It’s really getting back to the basics,” said Dvergsten. “Number one is just a good risk management plan, starting with crop insurance and looking at the level that best fits your financial position, but really also looking at managing on the expense side.”