2019: plenty of challenges for arable farmers

A lot of things came to the arable farmers in 2018 and drought had a major impact. However, entrepreneurs cannot stay behind, they have to move forward. It is time for a cautious look ahead to 2019.

The challenges will again be great in 2019; think, for example, of the water supply in the province of Zeeland, but choosing the right sales format also remains a challenge. What else will we encounter?

Choosing the right sales form
In my opinion, one of the most exciting challenges is choosing the right sales format. Many will scratch their heads (with this season's prices in mind) and think: "Maybe I should take some more free sales after all?"

However, they are not alone. In addition, many of them will try to get (a lot of) product on the market early, mainly to be able to hitch a ride with the current prices. Although this often goes wrong. 

Personally, it surprises me that arable farmers are so dependent on a few factories and exporters. I know it's not possible to sell everything in niche markets, but I would at least explore what other opportunities there are. And where possible I would join forces with colleagues.

Invest in tractors?
The arable farmers who did have a good year will probably invest the money in the machinery. But aren't the companies these days? over-mechanized† The money could perhaps be better used for investments in soil quality. It can sometimes be dangerous to be too much of a 'tractor farmer' and too little of an 'entrepreneur and grower'.

In addition, the resource package is also a serious challenge. Besides the fact that the much-discussed 'toolbox' of the arable farmer is restricted, the development of new substances is also put on the back burner. For example, how is the lack of seed coating for beets and carrots dealt with? There must also be 1 Januari 2020 the pressure registration of spraying machines are met.

Climate is robust
There are many more challenges; this is how we must work in a climate-robust manner. How are we going to prevent soil depletion and immediately ensure that the soil has sufficient water storage capacity? In addition, non-turning tillage (NKG) would have given better results last season. It might be an idea to try a plot with NKG.

Many will also think about whether or not they should invest in sprinkler systems. This while others can't even think about it; think of the salinization in Zeeland.

Many choices
These challenges have not been put together to really piss off the arable farmer, but because I am amazed at the decisions every arable farmer has to make. The average citizen has no idea. 

I think that for many the key question is: how do I ensure that my company can continue to exist in the future, while product prices are under pressure, I have to invest in mechanization and I have to work in a climate-robust manner? 

Anne-Jan Doorn

Anne Jan Doorn has been working as an Arable farming expert since January 2018 Boerenbusiness. He writes about the various arable farming markets and also focuses on the land and energy market.

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