As we embark on a year of new opportunities in 2025, now is the perfect time for farmers to reflect on their farm management strategies and create a proactive plan for prosperity in the New Year. By focusing on strategies to increase return on investment (ROI), farmers can better optimize their resources to increase yield and become more profitable.
Strategies to boost ROI include:
- Set Realistic Yield and Profitability Goals – To set yield goals, review historical data of harvested crops to establish a baseline. Once the baseline is determined, it’s important to factor in variables such as input costs, predicted weather patterns, pest management, and any new products or technology. For profitability goals, analyze your current budget, assess risks and set measurable goals. It’s essential to identify areas that need improvement and allocate the budget accordingly for the upcoming season. Track profit per acre to understand the exact profitability of different fields and crops.
- Analyze Previous Soil Test Results and Create a Fertility Plan for the Year – Planning soil fertility needs is essential for a profitable season. In addition to planning your soil testing for this year, analyze soil test results from last year to understand exactly what is required to make informed decisions and avoid overspending or applying too much fertilizer. These results provide you and your advisors with the knowledge to enhance your soil fertility and to ensure your soil receives the right nutrients, at the right time and at the right rate for their intended yield goal. This helps reduce costs, minimize environmental impacts, improve soil health, and optimize yield results.
- Consider Sustainability Goals – Determine your sustainability goals and practices for the year such as cover cropping, fertilizer enhancements, and crop rotations. These practices can help improve yield, soil health, and biodiversity, while also saving natural resources. Consider sustainable agriculture programs that financially reward farmers for participating in sustainable farming initiatives to boost ROI even more.
- Evaluate Fertilizer Enhancements – Before purchasing fertilizer enhancements, thoroughly research the yield benefit, the amount required, and costs. Look for a product that fits seamlessly into your farm’s management practices and arrives on-farm, ready to use. Ensure the product performs consistently, has enough data to support its claims and provides a valuable economic return. Natural, safe and non-GMO, the BiOWiSH® Fertilizer Enhancement is a unique microbial technology coated directly onto dry fertilizer or mixed with liquid fertilizer offering an industry-leading shelf life. With more than 200 independent, replicated field research trials as well as comparisons with on-farm demo trial performance, BiOWiSH has compiled a library of research and case studies that reveal yield and economic outcomes for growers around the world. These economic insights are designed to help farmers make informed decisions.
- Consult Your Trusted Agricultural Retailer – Once you have identified your budget and goals, turn to your trusted retailer for advice. They can help set price targets and lock in input cost rates. An informed retailer can also advise on current market trends and best practices for the local climate and conditions.