High input costs, too much government regulation and the ever-changing weather patterns were listed as major challenges by visitors to the Oklahoma Farm Bureau booth during the Southern Plains Farm Show, April 18-20, Oklahoma City.
Other challenges noted on the informal survey included water, low farm income and lack of a new farm bill.
“The government is regulating us to death,” said Bobby Lee, Newcastle, Okla. “I am especially concerned about the EPA regulations.”
Despite the concern about government regulations, 80 percent of the survey respondents indicated they are optimistic about the future of agriculture.
The wet April weather no doubt influenced some participants’ thinking, although farmers tend to be naturally optimistic. Lee said the rain has rejuvenated his pastures and has him thinking about expanding his cow herd.
“I’d like to, if I could find the additional pastureland,” Lee said.
Approximately 30 percent of the survey participants said they would be making changes to their farming business this year. Several of the respondents said “It depends on the weather!”
This marks the third consecutive year OFB has taken the informal poll at the farm show booth and this year’s results are consistent with past years, as farmers state their optimism, sprinkled with a dose of concern about government regulations.
