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KALAMAZOO, Mich. — As spring planting continues across West Michigan, local farmers say rising fuel costs and unpredictable weather are creating challenges early in the growing season.
At Husted Farm Market, owner Russell Ketchum said farms are seeing higher prices on everything from fuel and fertilizer to delivery and packaging supplies.
“Plastic follows fuel prices,” Ketchum said. “Pretty much everything that we do is affected by fuel in one form or another.”
Ketchum said recent frost and colder temperatures have also damaged some crops this season, including cherries.
“We’ve lost all the cherries completely,” Ketchum said. “The apples have taken some damage, but we’re hopeful that they’re going to be alright.”
At Little Pistol Farms, co-owner Ken Schneider said higher diesel costs are already impacting the farm’s bottom line.
“We’re looking at about a $1,300-$1,400 increase in diesel for this year,” Schneider said.
Schneider said the rising costs extend beyond equipment in the field and can eventually impact consumers as well.
“The price of everything is affected by the price of diesel,” Schneider said. “We’re going to see crops going up, pumpkins are going to be more expensive, hay rides are going be more expensive.”
Both farmers said supporting local growers and farm markets can help small farms continue navigating rising expenses and uncertain conditions throughout the season.
