Farmers around the country have reported considerable delays in getting machinery and parts from their dealers, causing fieldwork disruptions at a bad time for them. The issue has several drivers; global shipping disruptions like the Suez Canal blockage earlier this spring, local labor shortages and strong demand are contributing to the parts logjam. While dealers are taking steps to relieve the shortages — purchasing more inventory than normal from the manufacturer, for example — farmers can help by staying on top of routine maintenance and planning ahead for any potential parts needs. That can help reduce “panic buying” when a sudden need arises and prevent paying sharply higher prices. Being extra proactive with routine preventative maintenance and conveying any potential parts needs to your dealer as early as possible can also help keep delays from halting your fieldwork progress. See more.