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Farmers scrutinizing plans for 2025

With the harvest season winding down, many farmers are turning their attention to next year.

Central Illinois farmer Ken Franklin, who grows corn and soybeans in Christian County, says current crop budgets likely mean some cutbacks.

“Well, I mean, I think we’re going back to the basics.”  He says, “I don’t know what else to do. You know, you still gotta have N, P, and K and you need to set yourself up for success if you can.”

He tells Brownfield he’s looking at cutting any “extra” crop treatments, and potentially lowering seed planting populations.

“I’d like to plant 38,000, but maybe drop it down to 34,000.”  He says, “Maybe I put that money in fertilizer. Is that better well spent?  I mean, I don’t know. You know when you’re throwing a couple thousand out there extra just in case. Well, maybe this isn’t the year to do that. And that’s on every input.”

He says farmers are feeling the squeeze of tighter margins.

“We’re down to talking, you know, what’s it gonna take to make it to the next year?”  He says, “I don’t think I’m probably alone in that conversation.”

Franklin says increasing efficiencies and eliminating unnecessary spending are even more important in a down ag economy. 

AUDIO: Ken Franklin – Illinois farmer