Direct responses by farmers, growers, and ranchers show uncertainty in commodity markets, the financial stability of their businesses, and the health of their families, themselves, and agriculture’s labor force are some of the top issues surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak and its impact on agriculture.
“A Farm Journal Pulse Poll conducted earlier this month showed concerns across the board about coronavirus and its impact on farm and ranch businesses,” said Charlene Finck, President, Producer Media for Farm Journal. “This new survey digs deeper into what those concerns really are, how farmers are reacting to new developments each day and how they are looking to us and trusted service providers for leadership and guidance in the days to come.”
The results of the survey show that 90 percent of farmers expect the outbreak to impact their business. While only 30 percent are concerned of becoming sick themselves, many expressed concerns about family and friends in higher-risk categories. One-third of respondents said they’ve been directly impacted by the disease.