Farming Advice

As farmers are preparing for 2021 crop options, they face very different economic conditions than last year and well thought out decisions have to be made. Fuel and Fertilizer costs are skyrocketing, and many are struggling with such planting decisions. 

Clark Johnston of JC Management helps answer difficult planting decisions for American Farm Bureau Federation members. Wheat, soybeans and corn are always top of mind, but Johnston advises that…

"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. 

"And hay right now, It looks like hay will stay good for another year. Supreme hay right now is trading now for $190 and just good and fair hay $150. So the dairies look like they are just going hand to mouth pretty much getting into first crop hay and that first cutting, Having said that I think there will be good prices in the upcoming year," said Johnston. 

Farm Bureau members get Clark Johnston’s marketing advice for free, And Johnston’s weekly market report on the Farm Bureau Website helps farmer decisions.