Cutting Costs through Conservation

As sky-high fertilizer costs and other inflated input prices put a damper on farmers’ pocketbooks, many are turning to cost-reduction measures to maintain profitability. Many methods to reduce operating costs are rooted in conservation. Intentionally or not, many farmers are turning to no-till farming methods and other machinery-reduction practices to reduce spending.

Additionally, many farmers are placing a renewed emphasis on controlling soil erosion. Reducing soil erosion by 50% can save farmers 30% on input costs. Meanwhile, livestock producers feeling the brunt of inflation have begun to fortify pastures with legumes to diversify their fields beyond Bermuda grass. Economic efficiencies could also come in the form of opting into federal payment programs. USDA’s $19.5 billion for conservation programs focused on carbon sequestration could help some farmers offset increased operating costs.

Read more on farmers turning to regenerative practices to mitigate increased input costs here.