As 50,000 port workers in the U. S. go on strike, Kansas farmers are concerned. The longshoremen striking in the east and gulf coast ports want a huge pay increase, 77% over the next 5 years and are fighting automation. If the strike lasts more than a few weeks, farmers warn it could have major impacts on supplies and sales in the agricultural industry.
One product particularly affected could be livestock exports. Because meat has to be chilled or frozen, it’s usually shipped by containers. Many containers are now stuck at ports without longshoremen to load and unload them. Farmers says fertilizers and chemicals are shipped through the gulf. The strike could hinder this access to those supplies. They also say parts for farm equipment are often shipped in from the east coast. Other farmers say grain prices are already low compared to the past few years. They’ve also been dealing with the ongoing drought.
Kansas farmers hope union workers and major shipping lines can settle on an agreement soon. The shorter the strike, the less potential for disruption.
