Life changed forever in March 2020 when the shutdowns due to COVID-19 hit, and as 2021 comes to an end, where exactly are we now?
This is a question I find myself continually asking as I implement Extension programs for Mineral County, across the Nevada agriculture community, and for American Indian Tribes in Nevada and tribal producers nationally. I know where we have been, but I don’t exactly know where we are headed. What I am seeing on the ground scares me a little bit as we are all so divided on issues.
To say the least, this has not been an easy year for my team of professionals that work with me day in and day out, which includes my staff and my colleagues in state and out-of-state. The team has faced tragic losses due to accidents and due to Covid-19. We also have had our share of horse accidents and mental health issues. What I do know, is that we continue to move forward, be there for our teammates when we can, and find our new normal in dealing with the needs of everyday life.
The year 2021 is ending, and I want to celebrate the lives that were lost, give congratulations to the program successes we have had, and enter into 2022 with focus and initiative to implement programs to the best of our abilities and continue our relationships with the agricultural communities. There are a few things that I would like to discuss that are going to continue to be our focus into 2022.
- Drought is here. If you pull up the drought monitor, you will see the impacts in the West. Nevada reservoir storage is low. La Nina is predicted, which climatologists believe will continue the drought – but wait – they cannot say that in fact. I do encourage producers to utilize insurance programs. Pasture, Rangeland and Forage deadlines are November 15, 2021, and Farm Service Agency has deadlines looming also. Insurance is part of operating an ag business and is even more important as we deal with markets and climate.
- Supply chain disruptions and inflation are here, and are adding significant increases in the cost of doing business. Producers will have to make management decisions based on increased costs of doing business. We always have price volatility, but it seems like export markets for beef are up, and there was some price sustainability through the third quarter of 2021.
- Hay prices are up, and impacting livestock operations’ costs of doing business. Producers have had to make tough decisions on whether or not they need to liquidate cattle herds. This last summer, Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) reported there were about 109,000 head of cattle liquidated in Nevada.
- Labor force is another issue impacting supply chains.
Whether it is a truck driver, dock worker, meat cutter, or a government employee, hiring employees and human resource management is difficult during COVID. The issues continue to be pay/benefits, mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations, and work from home policies. Labor shortages are here.
Our life has changed since 2020. Not all is negative, and we are learning to do business and things differently. I could never have envisioned being able to use the computer to connect with colleagues via Zoom, or have a meeting in my car via Zoom with sound going through my Bluetooth. This has really helped us in our coordination and just being able to work together more effectively. It also helps families connect when you actually get to see your family member’s face.
The agriculture industry will adapt and sustain. They will be able to make the right management decisions to sustain their operation. I encourage producers and ranchers to use the insurance and Farm Service Agency programs available for the industry. They exist for the current circumstances that you see yourself in.
Lastly, I wish everyone a happy and joyful holiday season. We will look forward to 2022 and all that it may bring. Even if you and your neighbor don’t agree, whether it be politics or where a fence should go, remember life is short and precious. Focus on the positive and remember someone – somewhere is grieving the loss of a loved one. A kind word will go a long way.
By Staci Emmn | Editorial