La Ferme Michaud Farm (Facebook)
Farmers across southern New Brunswick are getting into their fields to begin planting but many are worried this spring.
At Michaud Farm in Bouctouche, co-owner Christian Michaud says planting began on April 24 – which is right on schedule for him.
Michaud, who also chairs the New Brunswick Agricultural Alliance, says he’s concerned about this season due to the rising cost of nearly everything.
Fertilizer has traditionally come from Ukraine and Russia.
But with the ongoing war in that region, Michaud says it must be sourced from elsewhere and can be twice as expensive.
“Russia and Ukraine has had cheap fertilizer and it was easy for us but that’s what happens in world markets. It can affect you down the line if you’re not ready for an alternative.”
Michaud says most farmers are likely more concerned about the skyrocketing hikes in diesel right now which powers a lot of equipment on the farm.
He says hopefully what farmers can get from the market this year will be enough to cover much higher production costs.
“We have bills too,” he adds.
