What is success? Success is a favourable accomplishment, attainment, issue, or outcome.

What makes a successful farmer? If success is measured in terms of profitability, successful farming is determined by the farmer’s ability to manage his or her operation efficiently. Successful farmers conduct their business operation economically. This means that they use whatever resources are available and make them go as far as possible toward achieving the farm goals.

But what happens when one of the most important resources we need in growing a crop has not been in adequate supply?

The 2015 season has had a tough start, to say the least; we have suffered from both drought and frost.

There is no doubt in my mind that this difficult spring weather situation is going to result in a tough year for everybody. The recent trend in higher-than-normal temperatures paired with lower-than-normal precipitation has put many crops at risk.

It is a very helpless and humbling feeling watching the days go by, hoping and believing that things have to change; that the skies will open up and the much-needed rain will begin to fall.

Drought, like other natural disasters, costs individuals and families an incredible amount of worry, concern, stress, and money. Some farm families have to make agonizing decisions.

Many of the crops have been in a state of rough shape this year. When in this situation, farmers find it difficult to keep spending money on a crop that may not amount to much.

Even though some crops may be poor, there are still weeds, so as a best management practice, applying the appropriate herbicides when the crop staging is right is a good idea. Based on past experiences, many growers have stated that when weeds haven’t been controlled when they should, it has been a huge regret and been a problem to deal with for many years later.

The herbicide can be viewed as a waste if the crop is written off as the weeds will be controlled when the crop is sprayed out. However, it’s best to assume the crop will still be worth saving.

These volatile times require the farm business to have the resiliency to handle tougher times and the agility to capture the opportunities that always appear in volatile times. Producers must continue to focus on being “best in class” so as to not be vulnerable in the downtimes, but to also have the flexibility to capture the upside when it occurs.

Nevertheless, we will adapt, make changes, cope, and keep moving forward.

At Emerge Ag Solutions we are committed to working with and helping our growers adapt, look at all possible options for their operation, and help you make the best decision possible for you. We have the staff to help you with all aspects of your production operation – from seed, to agronomy, to grain concerns.

Now, more than ever, relationships are extremely valuable when we are faced with these tough conditions, which lead to even tougher decisions.

 

By Matt Owens
Marketing Innovation & Business Development