IARN — Today marks exactly one month since the Russian military began its invasion of Ukraine. Not only has it opened a humanitarian can of worms, but a political one as well. Countries around the globe are trying to help the Ukrainians without plunging us into World War III with a country threatening to use any means of victory necessary, even if it means violating treaties in place around the globe.
Agriculture has been keeping a close eye on this situation, not only for the humanitarian concern but also because our livelihoods are being affected by it as well. Ukraine is a big player in the global export of wheat. Russia is a large producer of fertilizers and oil. This situation has its hands deep in our pocketbooks, and we are planning our growing season accordingly.
But let’s go back to the bigger picture. Millions of lives are being destroyed forever in Ukraine. Cities, homes, and lives are being lost. Many have fled, but many have also decided to stay and fight, or they are just unable to get away. When the country depends so much on its agricultural industry, the farmers there know it is up to them to keep the country fed in a time like this.
Nick Gordiichuk is a Ukrainian farmer and Managing director of Agrico Ukraine. He talks about the situation he is in right now. He is currently in the capital of Kyiv. His farm is 600 hectares to the north of the city. His land is currently overrun with Russian soldiers and tanks.
For more on this story, visit the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network.
