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Farmers say parts, new equipment hard to get

Farmers say the COVID-related supply chain issues are making it hard for them to get what they need.

Corn and soybean grower Ben Augustine of Sheldon, Wisconsin says he is hopeful nothing major breaks during this growing season. “Parts. There have been certain parts and even filters, too. It’s just kind of odd. You know, certain things you wouldn’t expect to be short and there’s a shortage of it all of the sudden.”

And, he says it’s been very tough for him to get new technology. “The biggest thing right now has been GPS receivers for me. I’m still waiting for one I ordered that was in January.”

Stevens Point, Wisconsin farmer John Eron told a recent Portage County Farm Bureau meeting he’s concerned the 2021 crop might have to go directly to the cooperatives at harvest time, whether farmers want to do that or not. “We’ve got some stuff on backorder for our grain facility, and they’re telling us that we won’t even likely see it this year just because they’ve got such a backlog on all of that stuff for grain handling facilities.”

Supply chains worldwide are reportedly impacted by manufacturing slowdowns or shutdowns related to COVID-19 and shipping complications including the recent blockage in the Suez Canal.

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