From the Fields: Input costs make it challenging to break even

SALEM, Ind. — Deidra Roell is a fifth-generation grain farmer in Washington County in southern Indiana.

She shared her story with AgriNews.

Q: Can you please tell us a bit about your farm, your family and your role in agriculture?

A: I like to say that I was born into agriculture because my mom went into labor when combining. Nowadays, I farm with my husband, parents and most recently our 1-year-old little girl on our farms in Washington County and then assist my husband on his family farm located in Fayette County, where he is originally from.

We traditionally farm corn, soybeans and sometimes popcorn. My husband, Tim, is a mechanic by trade, but works full time on the farm for the past few years.

Outside of farming, I also work as a nurse in Louisville. Our little girl, Ryleigh, has been on the farm and in the fields since she was a week old and we hope we will be able to raise her to love agriculture as much as we do.

Q: Farming is always a mix of challenge and reward. What’s been testing you lately and what’s been encouraging?

A: I think one of the most challenging things that we are experiencing in farming currently is the volatility of markets causing consistently high input costs that make it challenging to break even, let alone make a profit.

It may sound silly, but on the encouraging side, every time we see the successful emergence of a new crop I have a renewed optimism and refreshed enthusiasm to face the many challenges that modern agriculture is facing regularly.

Q: What’s one thing you wish more nonfarm readers understood about modern agriculture?

A: I wish nonfarm readers understood the impact of technology on the modern ag industry. Our iPads and monitors are driving nearly every move we make both on the farm and in our bookkeeping and decision-making.

Gone are the days of simple mechanical solutions to problems that arise because there’s likely multiple sensors or algorithms related to that obnoxious buzzer that started going off on most all of our equipment on the farm these days.

From productivity, efficiency, profitability, improved environmental impact and conservation, most every aspect we as farmers are evaluating on our farms is tied to technology that is continuing to grow and evolve at a sometimes exponential speed.

Q: Are there any emerging trends that southern Indiana farmers like yourself are paying close attention to?

A: I don’t necessarily think that the trends are specific to southern Indiana, but we are always listening, scrolling and reading to see if there are new ideas and technologies that can help efficiency and profitability on the farm.

Right now, we are trialing speed tubes for our precision planting seed delivery tubes to see if the added efficiency is worth the input cost without sacrificing accuracy and performance.

Another thing we continue to assess on our farm and watch trends of is application of cover crops via aerial application versus drone application versus broadcast seeding to get the most cost-effective process that delivers the best stand of cover crops.

Q: What about your involvement with Indiana Farm Bureau?

A: I’ve been very involved with INFB over the years. My parents have been involved in Farm Bureau for my entire life, so it was something that I have been around for years.

I’ve participated in young farmer events since I was in college, served multiple terms on the county board and as county president, represented the state Young Farmers & Ag Professionals for District 10 and served as the chair of the state Young Farmers & Ag Professionals committee during my term.

I’ve also participated as a delegate for the policy process, served on the resolutions committee as a representative, served on special interest committees, as well as participated in multiple statehouse visits and legislative day activities.

I’ve been lucky enough to participate in conventions, conferences and trips through leadership opportunities like leaders in action and the Agricultural/Cultural Exchange program, as well.

Q: Any other thoughts you’d like to share?

A: As challenging as farming and the agriculture industry are, we are so blessed to work in this field alongside our family and friends and now have the opportunity to raise our daughter in a farm family, as well.