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As 2023 comes to an end Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture, Charlie Hatcher is taking a look at how agriculture fared in 2023, and looking ahead to 2024.
Thomas Capps
Look back at agriculture in 2023. Hello, and welcome to Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I’m Thomas Capps.
Dr. Charlie Hatcher
We’ve been really lucky in Tennessee because of the overwhelming support that we’ve got from our governor, Governor Bill Lee.
Thomas Capps
It’s hard to believe that 2023 is almost history. Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture, Charlie Hatcher is reflecting on 2023, and how agriculture in the Volunteer State fared. His assessment?
Dr. Charlie Hatcher
The yields are going to be pretty good. We’ve had severe drought in large part of the state, and that’s had some impact. But overall, I think, you know, the input costs may be down, some, we know fertilizer is down some., we know interest rates are high, and we’ve got these inflationary pressures. But input costs are still high, but maybe not as high as last year. But in general, I think you’re right, it’s going to be a pretty good year overall.
Thomas Capps
With 2023 soon to be in the rearview mirror, Hatcher is looking ahead to 2024.
Dr. Charlie Hatcher
Our biggest challenge is farmland loss and the aging of the farming population, so we we’ve got that to contend with. You know, the governor, one of his big, what he is really interested in is conservation. We don’t know for sure what kind of conservation plan the governor is going to come up with, but we know he’s got an interest in it. We’re hopeful that ag and forestry land is part of that.
Thomas Capps
But despite the challenges we face heading into the new year, Hatcher says there’s always hope in forming.
Dr. Charlie Hatcher
I think we’re always have to be helpful, and even as we face the challenges, I think farmers are so resilient, that hope is just gonna flow like a spring. It’s just that’s why farmers are I think we’re very helpful, especially in Tennessee, because of the progress we’ve made. And in the alliances and the collaboration and relationships and just the general environment where we find our sales that’s reaping some great benefits for the ag and forestry industry.
Thomas Capps
For Tennessee Home and Farm Radio. I’m Thomas Capps. And from all of us here, we wish you and your family a very Happy New Year.