The Challenge of Low Commodity Prices
Lower commodity prices mean that farmers are put in a position to make tough decisions when it comes to figuring out how to make ends meet. That is not an easy task when our goal is to make sure overall yields do not suffer due to these decisions.
Balancing Input Costs and Yield
When a producer evaluates what is necessary to grow a good crop, there are very few inputs that can be forgone. At that point, our objective is to make sure every necessary input is applied at a proper rate at the proper time. Our focus needs to be on efficiency. A producer’s currency is bushels and pounds. Without enough ‘currency’, bills cannot be paid. Typically, when someone cuts back inputs, yield suffers more than the cost of the input. That can be a hard concept to accept, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any opportunities to save money.
How Crop Quest Agronomists Can Help
Your Crop Quest Agronomist is here to help make sure that all necessary inputs are utilized as efficiently as possible. We are here to help make sure that every dollar you spend gives you the best chance of seeing a return on investment. Where we can, we will help you adjust rates or recommend alternatives without causing loss in potential yield. We will always help make sure the timing of your treatments is proper.
Avoiding Costly Mistakes in Tough Times
More often than not, delaying decisions lead to both poor product performance and loss of yield. In these situations, we have lost twice – first from wasting the money spent on the input, and second, the loss of production.
Getting Back to the Basics
Savings can also be made by going back to the fundamentals. When commodity prices are higher, it becomes easier to add a little more of something, or try an unproven or marginal product, because our mindset – at that time – is that ‘it won’t cost me that much more’. We can help reinforce when it is proper to play offense or defense when it comes to applying inputs.
Looking Ahead
This may be a tough year to make a profit, and we may even see some red ink. We are here to help you minimize any potential loss and will do our best to help make this a profitable year for you. When times are tough, decisions get tougher. That’s why it is even more important to rely on your Crop Quest Agronomist to help you navigate these tough decisions. We are here to help!
Preparing for the Future
We have tools and services that will bring vital efficiency to your operation. History tells us that we will see higher commodity prices. It’s just a matter of when. In the meantime, we all see the responsibility we have to continue to feed a hungry world.
