AgWeb editors have been following a developing story that could make it tougher for many farmers to fight weeds this season, as retailers are now facing tight supplies of popular herbicides like glyphosate and glufosinate.
So, what’s causing the supply chain snafu? Analysts say it’s a perfect storm of pandemic slowdowns, shipping issues and increased demand from farmers. Retailers told Farm Journal they’re being forced to ration some products, but it’s not just impacting glyphosate and glufosinate, it now also includes some fungicides.
Replacement product is getting harder to come by and see retailers say they are servicing prepaid customers first, but tight supplies are even creating some issues in that.
And it’s not just a supply issue, but it’s coming at a cost. For farmers that didn’t prepay, both branded and generic glyphosate prices are soaring, RaboResearch says in some cases, prices are up to 50% higher.
“I think you need to look at the kind of the supply chain,” says Sam Taylor, Executive Director, Raboresearch. “So, how long it takes to get produced through to to the ports, across the oceans and then into the retail channel. I think in reality, you’re talking about a lot of months. I think that anything that is being produced now is not going to really make it into the supply chain for this coming season.”
Taylor says don’t expect this issue to get solved any time soon. He believes the shortages in many popular fungicides will last into next year, as well.
Farm Journal Agronomist Ken Ferrie giving this advice to farmers right now: if you have prepaid for glyphosate, you need to call and take possession of it right now.
Follow Farm Journal’s continuing coverage of the crop input shortage here.
