By Blake Jackson
Wisconsin farmers can now access updated 2025 agronomic field crop budgets for grain and forage, designed to aid decision-making amidst challenging market conditions.
With commodity prices down and input costs rising, these budgets, available for download, are crucial for evaluating profit potential.
The UW Crop Enterprise Budget Tool helps farmers assess final planting decisions and the impact of in-season management.
A significant decision for many is selecting between Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) for 2025, with an April 15 deadline.
Dr. Paul Mitchell, a UW-Madison professor, provides resources like white papers, videos, and Excel tools to assist with ARC/PLC choices. Mitchell recommendations, updated periodically, guide producers on suitable options for their grain crops.
Silva Gaku, a UW-Madison Extension specialist, offers an ARC/PLC decision-making calculator. By entering county, crop type, expected yield, and price, farmers can compare potential payments from ARC versus PLC, simplifying the decision process.
Cover crops are highlighted as a means to maintain economic viability and environmental health. Jeff Hadachek, a UW-Madison assistant professor, has created a video analyzing the economics of soil health, including how cover crops contribute.
Hadachek Soil Health Decision Tool allows farmers to evaluate the impact of manure/cover crop nitrogen on crop profitability.
The 2025 growing season presents economic challenges. The University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension Farm Management Program offers research-based resources to support farmers.
These include educational programs, information, and tools designed to inform farm business management decisions, ensuring profitable and healthy farm operations.
Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic
Categories: Wisconsin, Crops, Education