Iowa farmer shares challenges of input prices with lawmakers
As input costs continue to rise across the United States, farmers are voicing their concerns to lawmakers. During a Senate Judiciary Committee session, Iowa family farmer Noah Coppess shared how escalating fertilizer and seed costs are placing significant pressure on his farm’s balance sheet.
"I was trying to convey that our input costs have elevated continually. We're having a hard time finding a profit on our farm," said Coppess. "We don't have any negotiating power in some areas, and it's time to take a look at that and what the reasoning is behind that. Things are pretty tough on the farm right now."
Coppess and his family are now assessing whether their business model can remain viable amid these growing financial strains. “Does it still work? My wife works on the farm full-time, and we're trying to figure out if we can adjust that to keep that in place,” he said. The family has started cutting back on fertilizer use to control costs, which brings added production risks.
"Well, if you don't tell it, somebody else is going to tell it for you, so you need to pick what narrative you want," said Coppess. "I know what's going on on my farm, so I need to tell that story. So, for me, my first step getting involved would be to reach out, get involved in my local Farm Bureau. Get involved in something local with the folks in your county, and you can pick how involved you want to be at that point."
Coppess’s testimony reflects the growing urgency among American farmers for fair market conditions and input pricing transparency.
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