COPING WITH HIGHER CROP INPUT COSTS THIS SEASON: Production inputs rising with fuel costs

摘要

As crop producers make plans for the season ahead, many are experiencing sticker shock on production inputs. The rising tide of input costs is being fueled largely by higher energy prices — and it illustrates how wide the ripple effect of energy costs can be. Fuel, fertilizer, crop protection chemicals, seed and traits are all expected to cost more in 2005. Optimizing inputs and yields for maximum profitability will be very important in the season ahead.