The drought monitor report for this week isn’t out as this is being written. It’s safe to say conditions improved at least slightly for our area. The six to ten-day outlook (Dec. 1 to 5) indicates a 40 to 60% chance of leaning below normal for temperatures and a 40 to 50% chance of leaning below normal for precipitation. The eight to 14-day outlook (Dec. 3 to 9) indicates a 33 to 50% chance of likely above normal for temperatures and 33 to 40% chance of leaning below normal for precipitation.
As you read this, you have most likely already had Thanksgiving dinner. Hopefully, an enjoyable one. This time of year, is when many think about the price of food and price increases. The food sector has seen inflation, however, for the most part it has eased significantly. There are many factors involved in these increases, but overall, prices producers receive compared to their costs isn’t one of them. Beef prices are high for several reasons including a smaller herd due to the drought. On the other hand, finished weights are up. Egg price increases involve avian flu and the destruction of flocks. This has likewise affected poultry prices. Fortunately, poultry flocks can be increased fairly quickly. Your turkey prices are about the same as last year. Some price increases are due to weather such as the significant hurricanes.
The food industry is complicated with producers, processors, the distribution and transporting industry, and the actual grocery stores. A factor some don’t think about in consolidation in the processing and retail ag sectors. Nationally, there are few buyers for beef and especially pork and poultry. This leads to limited markets for sellers and lower prices while on the other hand, the processors have more market control to sell to retailers. The retail grocery market has also consolidated over the last 30 years with Walmart and Kroger brands controlling a significant market share. Again, limited competition isn’t good for consumers. One thing a consumer might do to really grasp how much is spent on food is shop twice when going to the store. Shop once for food items only and then again for nongrocery items such as paper products, soap, etc. The reality is that compared to the rest of the world, overall, we spend a smaller percentage of our incomes on food. This isn’t to deny people struggling to survive but that’s for another column.
One last item today. Production agriculture is still facing a severe shortage of trained labor. From livestock to crop production and banking to grain handling, all need more qualified help. Also, included in here is the scale industry which is vital to agriculture. There are openings for positions with good wages and benefits. While there is a shortage of trained, educated employees, there are answers for both employer and employee. Colleges like Barton have certificate and two-year degree programs ideally suited for these positions. Most don’t need four-year degrees and many employers will hire you while studying and even help cover tuition.
Everyone have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving.
Dr. Victor L. Martin is the agriculture instructor/coordinator for Barton Community College. He can be reached at 620-792-9207, ext. 207, or martinv@bartonccc.edu.
