This year’s harvest is almost completely in. In agriculture, that means you’re starting to think about next year. What can you do now to increase your ag ROI in 2025?
1. Manage Fall Residue for Better Nutrient Cycling
If you’re a conventional grower you may be tempted to till your fields so they look “tidy” at the end of the season. But there are good reasons to NOT TILL in that crop residue.
As the crop residue slowly decomposes, it releases nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other micronutrients. Soil microorganisms aid in crop residue decomposition. The slow release of nutrients and microbial activity improves soil structure, promotes better water retention, and reduces erosion from strong winter winds.
Tilling crop residue under helps it decompose faster, but that means the nutrients that are released aren’t being used by plants. All winter microorganisms are decomposing crop residue at a slower rate so in the spring there is greater soil health and more active nutrient cycling.
2. Diversify Your Crop Portfolio
Corn, soybeans, cotton, wheat, and the usual commodity crops may not give you the highest ROI on your land. There are many alternative crops to consider that have strong markets.
Depending on your region and infrastructure, sorghum, sunflowers, quinoa, or industrial hemp may be options. Consumers are looking for ancient grains such as amaranth, millet, and teff as alternatives because of the health benefits. These crops will bring a premium if they’re raised using regenerative ag practices with few or no synthetics.
Many nut crops are long-term alternatives. Pecans, walnuts, and almonds are in demand by a new generation of consumers for health benefits and can be part of an agroforestry system. Adding livestock to your sustainable agricultural operation adds another revenue stream while improving soil health.
3. Evaluate the Value of GMO or Traited Seeds on Your Operation
If the GMO seeds you’ve been buying are developed for traits that don’t increase your ag ROI, 2025 may be the year to trial and evaluate the profit differences of non-GMO seeds.
This requires good record-keeping and different management systems for the non-GMO and GMO fields. Spraying for weeds is a common practice in GMO fields because they’re bred to resist glyphosate. But if you’ve got herbicide-resistant weeds, non-GMO seeds and cover crops may be better alternatives. If GMO seeds cost 10 to 30 percent more than non-GMO seeds, you want to make sure those traits you’re paying for are appropriate.
You also need to consider the markets for GMO vs non-GMO crops. Many countries ban the import of GMOs, so you’re narrowing your market by sticking with GMO seeds. The market is expanding for non-GMO products. This wasn’t the case 10 years ago. Keeping up on market trends is one way to increase the ROI because your evaluation considers market trends as well as yield/acre.
Make sure you work out a plan this fall for 2025. What markets are available to you? What are the cropping costs, cash crops, and cover crops? Figure out how much you would have to make per acre to change from your traditional crops. Then trial those crops.
Evaluating all the variables for the projected ag ROI isn’t easy. But it’s a step all successful businesspeople take. Enlist the aid of experienced and knowledgeable crop consultants and it won’t be so overwhelming. We’ve been helping farmers increase their ROI year-over-year while converting to regenerative agricultural practices. Contact our team at ST Biologicals to find out how you can increase your farm’s ROI in 2025. We’re here to help you succeed. When soil speaks, we listen.
