With input costs versus income potential being a primary concern this year, an independent panel of crop consultants provided tips at the Field Advisor Forum in Champaign, Illinois. A key recommendation is to address the No. 1 yield-limiting factor.

Certified crop advisor (CCA) Kyle Stull, owner of Stull Agronomy, estimates profitable corn-soybean growers will net around $100 per acre. He advises cutting unnecessary add-on products that can reduce net income.

CCA Karen Corrigan, a partner in McGillicuddy Corrigan Agronomics, emphasizes addressing the main yield-limiting factor before investing in supplemental products. For example, fixing potassium deficiencies is more beneficial than adding micronutrients. Don’t be quick to cut fertilizer. Any fertilizer reductions should be based on soil tests to maintain productivity.

CCA Kelly Robertson with Precision Crop Services stresses the importance of maintaining optimal soil pH for nutrient uptake and weed control, She highlighted limestone as a cost-effective solution.

Robertson also advocates for the “5% Rule.” A 5% increase in the realized price, a 5% cost decrease and a 5% yield increase often produce more than a 100% net return increase. Incremental adjustments can turn negative returns into positive ones.

Weed management is crucial. Corrigan advises timely herbicide applications and having multiple weed-control plans. Farmers should tailor herbicide use to specific field conditions rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.

Read more tips to reduce 2025 input costs here.