Brooklyn Park Farmer Prepares for ‘Difficult’ Growing Season

Bert Bouwman is one of many Minnesota farmers suffering the consequences of a delayed growing season.

“It has been a roller coaster we went from extremely hot and dry last summer, and now we’re extremely cool and wet,” Bouwman said.

The Brooklyn Park farmer says cold weather and consistent heavy rains made it difficult to grow corn, soybean and other crops.

“If we don’t have the right temperature, or the right moisture, too little moisture is a problem, too much moisture is a problem, this year we have too much moisture, some farmers haven’t even been able to get one kernel in the ground yet which is unusual.”

Making up for lost time means making up for costs. As a result, Bouwman says produce will likely cost more.

Bert Bouwman, farmer

He says his cost of farming is 30 percent higher than last year.

“The community will have to understand to have fresh produce, it’s going to cost us a lot more in labor, in fuel, just to get labor it’s hard, to bring labor in we have to pay more,” he said.

Bouwman says another part of the problem is the rising cost of diesel fuel — which he uses for bigger equipment.

“The year is not done yet, but we are looking at a very difficult season.”

Bouwman also runs the Twin Cities Harvest Festival and Maze each fall. 

Brooklyn Park