Although the Russia-Ukraine conflict is 5,000 miles away, seemingly on the other side of the globe, it will have an impact in Alabama.
According to Agriculture and Industries Commissioner Rick Pate, Alabama's farmers will feel some impact, given the increase in energy prices and other commodity market factors resulting from sanctions and global availability.
In an interview that aired Tuesday on Mobile radio FM Talk 106.5's "The Jeff Poor Show," Pate said to expect higher prices across the board.
"I think everybody is concerned about the input costs, especially [since] gas prices affect everything," Pate said. "There are energy costs associated with everything -- even parts that have got to be delivered or equipment [that] is in short supply. So, there's concern. The thing that's helping us is most prices have been pretty good the last year or so. Obviously, the impact -- corn prices are higher, cattle feed is higher, poultry prices are higher, pork feed prices are higher, catfish feed prices are higher. A lot of those things swing both ways."
Fertilizer could be in short supply due to the sanctions levied on Russia, as well. That could have a direct impact on farmer costs, says Pate.
"Oh absolutely -- we were actually worried about the availability at whatever cost," Pate said. "But it seems like we're going to have enough available. Certainly, the cost is going up. I saw something the other day -- it is probably going to cost an extra $200 or so per acre to plant cotton this year. But not just fertilizer, but Roundup -- I think it is probably going to double this year where there is availability of it. Fortunately, commodity prices are still holding up pretty good but there is a lot of concern."
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email jeff.poor@1819News.com.
