Interesting times, indeed

There’s an old proverb that says, “May you live in interesting times.” It’s usually meant as a warning, not well-wishing. And, I’d say there’s no question that we’re living in more than just interesting times. We are living in extraordinary times as we deal with realities shaped by forces far beyond the farm gate but certainly felt by all of us in agriculture. 

MFA members are navigating higher input costs, tighter margins and volatile markets. World events continue to disrupt supply chains and balance sheets. Those events are reshaping near-term energy markets and disrupting fertilizer production and trade flows. That has a particular effect on MFA and its members—especially at this time of year, as nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur availability and pricing are affected. In commodity markets, from fuel and fertilizer to grain and livestock, disruption has its way of filtering through the supply chain. Markets read that information and sharply announce new realities.

Managing all of this is financially demanding for production agriculture—mentally challenging, too. The constant need to reassess and make decisions with imperfect information takes a toll. We see that clearly in producer sentiment data, and we hear it in conversations across our territory. Financial stress and mental health are not separate issues; they are closely connected. Both deserve attention and respect.

From MFA’s perspective, we continue to take action where we can. Through our involvement with the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives and partnerships at the state and local level, we are advocating on behalf of agriculture—and specifically the farmers we represent. Last month, MFA leaders were in Washington, D.C., meeting with policymakers to reinforce what producers are experiencing on the ground and recommend practical solutions. Advocacy isn’t always visible day to day, but it is essential work.

Closer to home, I’m asking our team to stay sharp. Like our members, MFA is affected by the whims of world trade. We don’t manufacture fertilizer—we’re buyers in a global market. That reality doesn’t leave us powerless, but it does demand discipline. We employ the bargaining power you give us through your purchase in the marketplace, and we’re staying focused on efficiency. I can tell you our operations team is working on our supplier relationships every day. They work diligently to secure product and manage costs as effectively as possible.

That brings me to a couple of perspectives that become increasingly important in times like this: service and partnership. Having a partner who is committed to your long-term success counts. MFA’s cooperative model is built on that foundation. You have heard it before because it is an underlying truth of a cooperative—we succeed only when our members succeed. That fact guides our team in decision-making.

From that promising perspective of spring, we push forward knowing that every season tests agriculture in one way or another. As we work through our “interesting times,” MFA is committed to focusing on our operations and yours. 

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Read more in the April/May Today's Farmer magazine HERE.

Find more issues of Today's Farmer HERE at https://mfa-inc.com/todaysfarmer