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Pandemic Puts Increased Health And Economic Pressures On Farmers, But Americans Can Still Rely On Them To Keep Our Food Supply Chain Running

Nearly every industry has been affected in some way by the COVID-19 pandemic, and farmers, who were already struggling with low commodity prices and slim profit margins, are being hit particularly hard by the economic slowdown caused by the coronavirus. Landus Cooperative consists of over 7,000 farmer-owners located primarily in Iowa. Following outbreaks and the subsequent closures of multiple meat-processing facilities through the Midwest, questions about the nation’s food supply chain have become common. Fortunately, CEO, Matt Carstens, says they have not experienced any substantial disruptions to their operations so far.

He adds that supply chain begins with their farmer-owners. The average age of producers in the United States is 57.5 years old, and for Landus Cooperative, approximately 63 percent of their members are over the age of 60. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), individuals in this age group are at increased risk of complications from the coronavirus. Carstens says their concern for farmers only grows when they consider the current state of rural healthcare.

Stephanie Ballantine operates a row-crop operation just outside of Odebolt. In addition to the pandemic, she was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and started chemotherapy near the end of February. Ballantine says they have completed their preparations for planting season, but they went about it very differently this year.

Landus Cooperative Board of Directors President, Jim Carlson, farms 2,400 acres near Gowrie, and finishes approximately 20,000 hogs and 250 head of cattle per year. According to him, many farmers and producers may not be able to survive the economic impact of the pandemic.

Carlson adds he felt fortunate to even get those hogs sold, as many producers have been unable to deliver on scheduled loads due to plant closures. Carlson says one of the few things that hasn’t changed during these unprecedented times is the fact Americans can continue to trust in our nation’s farmers.

These topics were discussed during a Landus Cooperative-hosted webinar Thursday afternoon. A link to the entire 24-minute video can be found included below.

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