We always get the question, “How do I farm and be profitable when prices are low?” Well, below are some ideas I have learned over the years that work.

  1. Have your own corn storage – You gain about .25 a bu on corn with some of our high yielders in 2024 we average 287 per acre on whole field. That averages to a net plus of $70 an acre.
  2. High cold germ seed – When you plant Prairie Hybrids high cold germ seed, that you can see on our website for the lot # we delivered to you, you plant the 99 cold varieties first, and the 89 cold germ last. This is a 10-20 bu advantage over the competition. $67 an acre advatange.
  3. Elite genetics – When you plant elite genetics from Prairie Hybrids this can be a 10 bu minimum advantage to some hybrids. $45 an acre advantage.
  4. Rotate your crops – When you look at fertility costs or overall farm fertilizer costs, rotate your crops. When you plant corn behind non-GMO beans you can cut a little on nitrogen. $10-$20 an acre advantage.
  5. Cut your 18-46-0 for a year. When you look at fertility budget, cut your 18-46-0 for a year and put some of that money into sulfur. 50-70# a year brings your old tied up fertility available so you can partake of it. The 18-46-0 tends to not be available for a long time anyhow, and 1-2 years with lower amounts you won’t know the difference. Instead, take some of that 18-46-0 money and place it with drops on corn at v12 with ATS liquid. Use 12 gallons per acre and 12 water and 1 gallon sugar and this should help you get more yield by 10-20 bu.
  6. Band your fertility – You can use 50% of broadcast rate and save $50 dollars an acre easy.
  7. Don’t spend money for traits – You don’t need and then deal with the yield drag that goes with it and you end up with less yield this can be a $48 dollars an acre advantage.

Now the numbers above can vary I agree, and they will I tried to be conservative but I put $300 an acre in your pocket for making a few changes.

Also, I would go to SPNC corp to get your infurrow biology it is very reasonable and they know what they are doing.

If you want to bring your soil sample to my desk I would be glad to help you work on your fertility program.

May God Bless you abundantly in 2025,

Sincerely Gilbert Hostetler