Farm Advice

As Idaho farmers get ready for the 21 Farm year, they face very different economic conditions than last year. Despite a good water year, Fuel and Fertilizer costs are skyrocketing, and many are struggling with planting decisions. 

Clark Johnston of JC Management helps answer difficult planting decisions for Idaho Farm Bureau members. 

"And every area has crops and commodities that they raise really good quality and yield wise. So I think you need to stay with those, like soft white wheat in Southeast Idaho. It yields well, the input costs aren't as great, It's just a great crop. Having said that, You have to have a few swing acres." said Johnston. 

Swing acres, have to be moneymakers. Planting crops like Canola up north, Corn in the Treasure, and Magic Valley, but this year's high input costs make it a tough decision. 

"And corn is king in the US, It's starting to be the king in those areas too. And producers are looking at high input costs. They get the best bang for their buck with corn. Corn does yield and produces a lot of dollars per acre, but input costs are great, also, and producers right now are looking at those input costs with diesel fuel prices going up and they're just stuck," said Johnston. 

And Johnston says Feedstock crops look like money makers this year.