By Brian Hefty – brian@agphd.com
There may be a tile shortage again in 2012, but we have made several arrangements so YOU shouldn’t have to worry as long as you plan ahead and order early.
I was having a conversation with a large tile manufacturer several months ago about tile supply, and of course, I was complaining about how some of the farmers we work with weren’t getting product. They asked the question about how much more tile I thought could be installed over the next few years. Obviously, I don’t know…no one does. It depends so much on the weather, commodity prices, and much more. However, I did make the prediction that over the next 12 months, in our region alone (ND, SD, MN, & IA), there would be more than 1000 farmer tile plows sold! This is in addition to the 500 (my estimate) sold in the region over the prior 12 months.
Well, you put 1500 more plows in the ground, and we’re probably looking at A LOT more tile going in the ground than ever before. Plus, every tile contractor I know has increased their business, often by adding more commercial tile plows.
I finished with my quick statement, and all the tile manufacturer could say was, “Wow, we’re not planning for that kind of increase.” As soon as I heard that, as a farmer, I knew we were in trouble. This fall, one of the frustrations many farmers discussed with me was how the custom tilers appeared to get all the tile they wanted, yet farmers struggled to get ANY tile.
Here’s where and why we decided to get involved. Darren and I have gone about securing a large supply of tile for farmers to access. You’ll find the price to be slightly less expensive IF you are willing to prepay and take delivery early. Please give us a call or send us an e-mail if you would like more information.
The main thing I would stress, regardless of where you buy your tile, is to TAKE IT EARLY! Right now, you can have all the tile you want for 2012. However, if you wait until you’re running your tile plow in June, August, or October, there most likely will once again be a tile shortage.