Crop Inputs under Scrutiny
Every year is different. For crop producers, the 2008 experience was all about maxing out yields to fully capitalize on high market prices. Collectively, we went wild applying all manner of products and processes to protect and enhance yield. The math was pretty straightforward – in most cases, it took a very small yield response to pay for the fungicide, seed treatment, herbicide, inoculants, pixie dust, etc., so we went for it.
That was then, this is now. For 2009, we’re back to a more normal mindset that challenges each and every input dollar. With every grower facing higher fertilizer costs, and for some, higher land costs, we won’t see the same free-wheeling approach. But we learned a few things last year that I think will help me control costs and max out yields this year.
Here’s my list. I hope you’ll share yours as we ramp up for planting season.
1) Seed treatment was a winner.
In recent years I’ve become a believer in insecticide/fungicide seed treatments for corn. We plant as early as we can and if the weather goes backward, the seed treatment protects slow emerging corn. In 2008, I also went with a fungicide/insecticide seed treatment on early planted soybeans. It turned cold and wet after planting and I was impressed with the performance of the seed treatment. Even after emergence, we saw improved vigor and plant health where the seed treatment was used (we always try to have a with/without trial when trying new products – the yield monitor tells all). Early bean leaf beetle feeding was non-existent in soys with seed treatment, but very prevalent where no seed treatment was used. It’s expensive, but I’m going to keep using a fungicide/insecticide seed treatment for soybeans and continue to monitor performance.
2) Fungicide on corn.
I didn’t apply fungicide on my corn last year, but many of my neighbors did. Most did not leave check strips, so it’s hard to get a handle on how effective the product was. Information from winter meetings suggests the response to fungicide on corn is largely related to corn hybrid. This year, I’ll work with my seed dealers to determine if and where to apply fungicide on corn.
3) GPS guidance.
2008 was my first year with an entry level GPS guidance package. This one is easy: get it, use it, and love it. There’s no going back, that’s for sure.
4) Fewer passes and treatments.
I think we went overboard on field passes last year. My attitude this year is to limit the number of trips across the field. If army worm shows up, as it did in our wheat last year, then there’s no choice but to get in there and protect the crop. The general attitude will be to pick the treatments that offer the clearest profit potential and payback.
5) Convenience is nice but…..
When prices are high, we can be convinced to look for convenience. Liquid fertilizer is a good example. Easy to handle, dispense and apply, but the cost per unit of nutrient is out of whack with reality. I can’t afford that convenience. There are other examples – convenience should not be confused with efficiency.
6) New product assessment.
It was nice to have the opportunity to go for it last year and use some new technology and crop protection products. This year we’ll be back to small scale trials and yield monitoring to determine which products we keep and use next year.
I’d be interested to know which products or treatments from 2008 you plan to keep or drop as we prepare for 2009. Click here to join the discussion.
Peter Gredig
Farms.com
Peter.Gredig@Farms.com
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