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Factors to consider when making input investments

An ag economist says producers should look for ways to cut costs without sacrificing productivity in 2025. 

Purdue University’s Michael Langemeier says farmers need to take more than price into consideration when making input decisions.

“Sometimes you’ll see an input supplier attract your business by giving you a relatively low price, but think about the return, warranty, financing terms,” he says.

He tells Brownfield now isn’t the time to make risky investments.

“Crop producers are facing low crop prices with a high-cost structure,” he says. “When it’s all said and done, there’s a little bit more uncertainty, which just increases the importance of being smarter when it comes to buying inputs.”

Langemeier says each farm has its own challenges, so farmers should focus on the factors that will give them the highest return on investment.

AUDIO: Michael Langemeier, Purdue University