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Tennessee farmer says he’s feeling good about this year even with challenges

An optimistic outlook for 2022 despite some unexpected hurdles.

East Tennessee farmer Don Holbert says he’s excited about this year’s crop.  “I came off last year, the best year I ever had,” he says.  “It was a tremendous year and that let me reinvest in several things to hopefully continue on with that high yield pat that I’m working towards and better soil fertility and a better farm.”

He tells Brownfield Mother Nature is always in the forefront of his mind.  “Here where I’m at regionally, I’m not too worried about a weather scare,” he says.  “I think I could have another good year.  I’m fired up and hope prices can stay up.”

Holbert says in addition to parts availability, labor shortages are also creating challenges.  “Every industry, I don’t care what industry it is, is hurting for labor,” he says.  “I was having a little issue with my planting tractor last week and I called my local John Deere dealer and they only have two road techs now.  And the one guy said he couldn’t get to me for almost 14 days.  I mean, that doesn’t work.”

Holbert says he had a late start to planting, but improved weather conditions helped him catch up quickly.  He says they are in the home stretch with just about 70 acres left to plant. 

AUDIO: Don Holbert, Tennessee farmer