Agricultural News
AFBF Chief Economist Roger Cryan Sees 2022 Reliving Challenges of 2021
Sun, 28 Nov 2021 21:07:06 CST
For many folks, the end of the year is often a time for reflection and pondering what the new year will bring; economists are no different. Roger Cryan, the chief economist for the American Farm Bureau Federation, told Ron Hays, director of Radio Oklahoma Ag Network, as he reflects on 2021 the words "supply chain" come to mind.
"Farmers are having a hard time getting inputs, they are having a hard time getting exports shipped out of the country," Cryan said. "A lot of these things tie back to difficulties with (supply chain issues)."
When it comes to the economy, Cryan said it is always a balancing act.
"Prices are up but we are still missing out on some of the export markets that we would have otherwise," Cryan said. "It is tough to ask folks to cry for us when prices are up and exports are hitting record levels, but we would have stronger exports and higher levels if we were not having some of these issues."
Looking back on 2021, Cryan said economists hoped this past year would be a return to normal from 2020; unfortunately, that was not the case.
"Here we are again, hoping 2022 will be normal," Cryan said. "We are almost on top of it and - the pandemic is not defeated, a lot of supply chain issues look to be stretching out for months in 2022, we hear about ordering equipment now that is (scheduled) for September 2022 delivery."
He said there is still a lot that needs to be resolved before things can go back to the old normal. All that hardship does not change the fact that farmers must continue producing crops and livestock. Cryan said farmers can help themselves navigate these turbulent waters by doing their best to plan ahead.
"Farming is one of the hardest things you can do," Cryan said. "Farmers bear a lot of risks - even with the best tools, but they are still farming, we are still eating and we are glad for it."
Hit the LISTEN BAR below to hear Ron Hays and Roger Cryan as they reflect on 2021 and look ahead, into 2022.
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