What Does COVID-19 Mean for 2020 Planting Season?
Article By: Cathy Asher, Relationship Manager for SFB
As spring approaches, producers may be wondering how the COVID-19 virus and the recent Safer at Home order may impact their operation. There are a number of factors to consider to effectively manage through this period of uncertainty depending on your business enterprise.
First, we know that based on Emergency Order #12 issued by the State of Wisconsin Department of Health Services, part 13C, that production agriculture, farm and agriculture equipment, supplies, and repair services are exempt from this order. While businesses that fall under this umbrella are exempt, all citizens/employees are required to maintain social distancing with those individuals not residing within their household. This is imperative not only to prevent the spread of the disease but also to ensure appropriate staffing levels for your farm business. The work still needs to be done; let's do our best to keep our distance, maintain our health and reduce the impact on our operations during a season of long days with less than ideal sleep.
A second concern with this virus is what the impact might be to your operation in the timeliness of delivery of products or services. As it stands currently, Safer at Home will be in effect until Friday, April 24th. Based on weather conditions in our area, growers may very well be actively completing field prep in anticipation of planting during that time frame. Communication with your vendors and service providers is critical. A phone call to discuss expectations on both sides will reduce stress and assist with planning for the completion of other tasks should you need to wait for the product. At this time, it does not appear that COVID has had a direct impact on supply or pricing. A call to your supplier can confirm this and hopefully provide you with peace of mind.
To view the entire Emergency Order #12, CLICK HERE.
