5 Insights Into Farmers' Crop Protection Decisions
In November, Farm Journal conducted an email study asking farmers about their crop protection decisions, which received 743 responses.
Here are some key takeaways:
Farmers make 54% decisions are from October to December. Another 33% are made after the first of the year
Weed resistance issues have increased input costs.
- 77% of farmers say weed resistance has increased their input costs for corn 10% or more.
- 81% of farmers say weed resistance has increased their input costs for soybeans 10% or more.
Farmers lean into the services provided by their trusted advisors. A majority of farmers (69%) turn to a crop consultant or agronomist when making the final decision on crop inputs.
Fertilizer is perceived to bring the highest return on investment. When asked, “What input brings the highest ROI in a “down market” in corn or soybeans?” farmers said:
- Fertilizer (45%)
- Herbicide (32%)
- Seed treatment (11%)
- Fungicide (8%)
- Insecticide (2%)
- Other (2%)
Farmers value the trust they have in their supplier as well as the support. When asked, “What is most important when you choose a crop protection supplier?” farmers answered:
