Independent Agronomy – why should it matter to you?

At times of variable grain prices, the importance of optimising inputs becomes the focus of greater attention to the farmer. But should the grain price make any difference? Shouldn’t the inputs on your crops be subject to the same level of thought and scrutiny regardless of the potential value?

As an Independent Agronomist I am increasingly asked by farmers who are not clients to examine the prices that they are paying for seed, fertiliser and agrochemicals.

There is no surprise that when times are lean, the focus on keeping costs low comes to the fore. But is it right to focus purely on costs?

The Agronomist’s focus should always be to optimise crop margins across the rotation. Not just for one year, but building a rotation that allows each crop to perform to their optimum year on year.

Getting to know a farm and a farmer takes time. This commitment can involve difficult conversations at times, explaining why changes need to be made to keep the farm profitable for the long term. Being free to recommend crops which use far less agrochemicals rather than just “Wheat, Wheat, Rape” is a classic case in point, which would clearly not be in the interests of an agronomist with a sales target.

Ultimately, the focus on the crops comes down to an unparalleled level of trust between farmer and agronomist. As a truly independent agronomist working in unison with you, I have no commercial bias or sales priorities.

Using an independent agronomist enables farmers to separate the technical issues of growing crops from the commercial buying decisions, enabling reduced growing costs.

Of course, buying crop inputs through a buying group, or shopping around your local suppliers will save you money without question. But cutting chemical expenditure is simple; being able to say what you see without fear or favour is where the real benefit of truly independent agronomy is found.