Article by Kent Wolfe
Crop Sales Specialist
AGRIS Co-operative - DUTTON
As the fall harvest winds down, it may seem early to start thinking about the 2025 crop season, but the best crop plans begin now. You’ve probably heard the saying: “The Five P’s for Success” — Proper, Planning, Prevents, Poor, Performance. Let’s break down how you can plan effectively using three simple steps:
- Know What You Have
The first step in any successful plan is understanding your current situation. This starts with up-to-date soil testing information—ideally from the past 3 to 4 years—that is specific to each field or management unit. One often-overlooked aspect is the nutrient credit from this year's crop. As you harvest this fall, track your yield. If it differs by more than 20% from your yield target, calculate the credit (or shortage) for next season. Phosphorus and potassium are the most common nutrients to focus on for this calculation since they tend to be more stable in the soil.
- Know What You Need
Once you’ve assessed what’s available, the next step is determining what you’ll need for next year. Estimate your yield goal based on the crops you plan to grow and the productivity of each field. While you can’t predict the weather or growing conditions, you can use the average yield from the last five years or your crop insurance average if you don’t keep detailed records. From there, calculate the plant nutrients needed to reach your yield goal. Subtract any available nutrient credits to determine how many pounds of additional nutrients you will need.
- Document Your Actions
Planning doesn’t stop at calculation—it’s important to document everything you do. Start by recording areas that underperformed during harvest, and track yields field by field. If you have a yield monitor with GPS capabilities, bring the data to your local AGRIS branch, where we can help you document it. Keep track of your nutrient applications too—record sources, application dates, rates, and methods.
By following these steps, you’ll lay the groundwork for a solid, profitable crop season. And by adhering to the 4R fertility principles—right rate, right place, right source, and right time—you’ll be on the right track.
At AGRIS Co-operative, we take this approach further through “The Whole Farm Approach,” where we combine crop planning with grain marketing goals to maximize your return on land, labor, and equipment. Contact your local AGRIS branch to develop a plan that works for your operation in 2025 and beyond.