Dickey Farms owner discusses rising fuel and fertilizer prices

The war with Iran has been impacting many people, but one group starting to feel the effects of the war are farmers, with the increase of gas, oil and fertilizer.  

MUSELLA, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — The war with Iran has been impacting many people, including farmers.

According to the Associated Press, the conflict with Iran is driving up the cost of fertilizer and oil prices. The AP also says oil prices have increased from less than $70 a barrel on February 27 to a high of nearly $120.

The co-owner of Dickey Farms, Lee Dickey, says he has noticed the impact. 

“Generally, our local fertilizer place is not going to turn around and jack up prices on you,” he said. “We’ve got good relationships. So, I think for the short term, probably some stability, but if oil prices continue to remain elevated, that’s going to work its way through the system and farmers this year, certainly row crops as they get planted and going on into summer, they’re probably going to see some higher prices.”

Dickey says to prevent paying for new machinery and transportation, he will be taking soil samples. 

“What we’ve been doing in the past few years is spreading it by hand,” he said. “And just getting it really precisely around the tree, getting the exact amount. Just being very efficient. Now it might be a little more costly than just going out and machine spreading, but you’re also saving some of that price of the fertilizer and you’re getting it right where you want it.”

Dickey says things could get worse, but he believes farmers should be as efficient as they can with equipment. 

“One thing we did a few years ago is to change the sprayers that we used,” he said. “And these sprayers require a lot less power, so we were able to go to a smaller horsepower tractor. We’re burning about half as much fuel than we used to, with a combination of these new tractors and spray takes. I try to upgrade, or get a more efficient piece of machinery, when it’s time to replace one or trade in. So, I’m always finding ways to be efficient when we can.”

Dickey says as the prices of products increase, he will try and continue to keep his product prices where they are.