How do you decide what to plant each year?

For the most part, corn or soybeans are the choices of most farmers in Illinois. Most farmers have some sort of rotation that we stick to. For a lot of us, this would be as simple as corn one year, then soybeans the following. There are benefits to this rotation, as both crops in general do better rotated with the other from year to year. This helps lower disease and insect damage for each crop, which in turn leads to better revenue per acre. Sometimes, other factors may alter this. Corn historically costs more to plant per acre and is more labor intensive, but it can usually generate more revenue per acre.

Photo credit: Shana Luckett

Other factors we consider include the price we may receive for corn or soybeans and the cost of items we call inputs – things such as fertilizer and crop protection products. Weed control can also be a factor, as some weeds are easier to control in one crop than they are in the other. There are so many variables. In general, most farmers stick to a crop rotation, which helps combat weeds and insects, build nutrients in our soil and improve its health for the future.

Blake Luckett farms in Gallatin County.

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