U.S. farmer competitiveness in the global marketplace, the cost-price squeeze of inputs and commodity prices, and market consolidation and corporate power, are top concerns of farmers responding to a survey conducted by the Southern Cotton Ginners Association at the recent Mid-South Farm & Gin Show.

The Mid-South Farm & Gin Show created a forum for producers and industry representatives to come together around the concerns identified in the survey. A panel of ag lenders, seed, crop protection, and marketing specialists outlined ways they are working with producers and ginner. Featured speakers also highlighted efforts that can help address some of the issues facing farmers.

“Farmers are usually optimistic in the spring with planting, but we’re seeing cautious pessimism about the future,” said Tim Price, Southern Cotton Ginners Association Executive Vice President and Mid-South Farm & Gin Show manager. “In the survey, expert presentations and in conversations throughout the event, people pointed to the need for improved competitiveness in a dynamic global market.”

Among key findings in the survey:
– More than half of respondents (52.1%) expect to be worse or much worse off over the next two years and only 9.0% expect improvement.
– More than 75 percent responded that U.S. agriculture has declined in competitiveness over the past 5 years. Multiple respondents cited – More than 80 percent of respondents identified commodity prices as a top concern, and 60.1% flagged input costs creating an unprecedented margin squeeze.
– A major recurring theme was the concentration of market power among agricultural input suppliers.
– A quarter of respondents identified land going out of production as a top concern.

Other concerns: global trade challenges – 39%; legislation/regulatory policy – 29%; farm labor shortages – 29%; stress and mental health – 20%, which is especially notable given the farming culture; and succession planning – 19%. An executive summary is posted on the Southern Cotton Ginners Association website.