Farmers feeling the effects of COVID-19

Purdue Agricultural Economist Michael Langemeier said soybean profits are about the same as what was expected before the pandemic, but it may take a while for corn prices to come back up.

The usda's most recent crop report.

The covid-19 pandemic is responsible for the ups and downs in the industry.

I spoke with a local farmer about how the coronavirus has changed the way he runs his business.

Greg gilbert "the farming environment is already a kind of dangerous occupation, and it just makes you kind of take that one more step and think about safety a little bit more."

Greg gilbert has been farming in tippecanoe county for 16 years.

He never imagined he'd be doing so during a pandemic.

Greg gilbert "your frame of mind is kind of changed.

Your work environment.

How you go about your work environment."

That includes how to safely farm 4 thousand acres of corn and soybeans.

Greg gilbert "each individual had a dedicated tractor.

If you couldn't do a dedicated tractor, you'd disinfect it real good before you utilized the equipment."

But covid-19 has affected more than how gilbert runs his business.

He says a lower demand for corn has affected prices.

Greg gilbert "we kind of saw cash corn prices there mid- march around $4 dollars declining to around $3 dollars now."

35 to 40 percent of all corn produced in the united states goes to the ethanol industry.

With americans driving less due to quarantine, the need for ethanol is down.

And it's going to change the way farmers look at growing their business.

Michael langemeier "there's going to be less money available to perhaps rent that farm that's next to you or less money available to purchase the land that's next to you."

Purdue agricultural economist michael (lag-nuh-my-er) langemeier says soybean profits are about the same as what was expected before the pandemic.

But it may take a while for corn prices to come back up.

Michael langemeier "if you have the low prices that's going to perhaps reduce supply next year so the prices can improve next year and the year after."

That's something gilbert los forward too.

In the meantime, he's focusing on keeping his staff healy.

Greg gilbert "just operate with safety as your top priority and everybody goes home at night safe and sound."

(lag-nuh-my-er) langemeier says covid-19 is also impacting livestock, particularly pork.

That's due to an increase in production.

He also says there's been an increase in crop exports.

Officers