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Using soil sampling to manage input costs

With margins tight, a north-central Iowa farmer says keeping input costs in check is critical.

Joe Roberts, who raises corn, soybeans and cover crops in Belmond, says soil sampling plays a big part in his management decisions.

“Making sure we know what’s out there and using just what we need,” he said. “And then also we split our nitrogen applications.”

He tells Brownfield fertilizer prices are currently the highest he’s ever experienced.

“Luckily, I did come in at the high of corn prices in my farming career. I’ve seen fertilizer steadily continue to increase. I haven’t had those low prices ever for fertilizer on my operation.”

Roberts says managing cash flow often means postponing some input costs when opportunities arise.