As we approach the start of a new crop year, there is much uncertainty about the spring season and many unknowns. From determining which crop will offer the best returns to the big questions about soil moisture to the ability of supply chains to keep up with demands for products, these unpredictable dynamics keep us all on our toes.

The Crop Inputs Teams at Avonlea, Liberty and Moose Jaw have suggestions to manage some of the challenges the next few months will bring.

Refine your crop plan

You have probably already worked through several components of your crop plan, but it never hurts to review and refine what you've done. For example, many growers will have made fertilizer commitments for this year’s crop. Now is the time to finalize your fertilizer needs along with developing a preliminary plan for crop input products likely to be needed. And if you are able to do so, planning and taking early delivery of some of these products can save time in the spring.

Considering the unpredictable nature of every crop year, working through contingencies is a way to ensure some flexibility and create control over the unknowns. Michael Miller, Location Manager, Avonlea Crop Inputs, says, "There are a lot of swing acres this year with producers undecided about which crop they're going to plant on a portion of their acres. Crop planning is one way you can manage those options. We use this time to ensure customers are ready to manage those changes and have access to inputs needed. We also review field histories to lessen the risk of any unforeseen issues like herbicide carry over, problem weeds and rotational concerns."

Manufacturer rebate programs

Barry Rapp, Agronomy Manager, says, "Rebate programs are always secondary to good agronomy. However, when there's a chance to get thousands of dollars back at the end of the year without compromising agronomic decisions, why would you not take advantage of those offers?” He adds, "When you have a crop plan in place early, we can help you take advantage of the products you'll easily be able to commit to. And if there's an opportunity to capture extra margin for a grower's bottom line, we really want to do that."

Create peace of mind

"Our customers know what they're doing and are good at their job," Miller states. "But there's nothing like the reassurance of a second set of eyes reviewing your plans with a different perspective and insight to see if there are any additional adjustments. He adds, "Having a plan on paper is one stress that can be taken off your plate. Even if circumstances change, you are much farther along than if you didn't have a plan at all."

"I'd like to think that customers know we care because we do," says Rapp. "Customers know that we make recommendations for them like 'it's our farm’ and it can be reassuring to know you've got someone else on your team."

Assess what activities you can offload

Spring is a hectic season, and time is your most precious resource. As a farm manager, you wear many hats, and it can be advantageous to look at opportunities to outsource some of those to-dos. Asking an agronomist to do field scouting will help free up valuable hours when you could be running equipment. It may make sense to hire a floating service rather than getting behind and missing key application windows.

"We want to be a part of our customers' team," emphasizes Rapp, "and we encourage them to find ways to give us some of the workload during busy seasons." He adds, "In fact, that's the reason we've added specific services to our crop inputs offerings. From floating to custom seed treating to scouting and VR prescriptions, we try to find ways to make things easier for our customers in spring.”

We’re here to help!

It’s never too soon to start planning, and the late winter and early spring months will go quickly. Dealing with the Crop Inputs Teams at Avonlea, Liberty and Moose Jaw is more than purchasing inputs. We’re here to help you get things in place and ready for the best spring season yet.

Contact one of our team members today!

Avonlea Crop Inputs - (306) 868-2476

Shanna Heistad – Location Manager
Mike Sefton – Assistant Manager
Mitch Clermont – Sales Agronomist
Allan Kirkpatrick – Operations Manager
Michael Miller - Agronomy Manager

Liberty Crop Inputs - (306) 630-2390

Daphne Cruise – Liberty Agrologist 

Moose Jaw Crop Inputs – (306) 692-1661

Shawn Campbell – Location Manager
Barry Rapp – Agronomy Manager
Troy McInnis – Agronomy Manager
Jason Kearns – Territory Sales Manager
Kyle Larocque – Operations Manager