Producers Blog

David Gaskill (DSM, Region 5 – Iowa)

Hello! I am the new Producers Hybrids District Sales Manager servicing Northwest Iowa.  As I travel the territory, I’m finding many customers are not only battling the severely cold weather, but also reevaluating their projected planting acres. High LP gas prices, $4.30 corn and shifting acres due to high rent are a few of the factors forcing customers to stay flexible as they plan for their planting season.

In January, the Farm Futures survey of growers’ planting intentions indicated a major shift to soybeans.  The survey showed that U.S. farmers indicated that they planned to plant 92.23 million acres of corn, down 3.7% from the total USDA estimate in November and 5.3% less than originally planned by growers in 2013 (before the cold, wet weather prevented many fields from being planted). However, if achieved, the 92.23 million acres would be the fourth most corn acres planted since World War II. This uncertainty in projected planting acres, coupled with low market prices and high rent costs, is forcing many farmers to make last minute changes in their operation.

As we move closer to spring and the frozen tundra gradually thaws, the value of flexibility and prompt service will create challenges and opportunity in the area. I aim to get to know my customers better and to form key partnerships, which will enable me to position the Producers Hybrids brand to better meet these changing needs and provide my customers with the superior hybrids and service that Producers Hybrids offers. I believe the value we offer uniquely positions us to build upon existing and future partnerships that help customers solve tough challenges and take advantage of potential opportunities.  I’m excited to be part of the Producers Hybrids team!