What to consider before changing your rotation

Research suggests more diverse rotations can compete on profitability, but making a change on the farm involves more than just the numbers.

Darren Bond, a farm business management specialist with Manitoba Agriculture, says farmers considering a shift on their swing acres, whether adding a crop such as mustard or cutting back on canola acres, should think through a few key factors before making the switch.

Related story: Mustard holds its own in diversified rotations: Prairie research

Start with the economics

Any change should begin with a clear understanding of whether it improves the bottom line.

“Make sure the numbers work,” Bond said, noting that input savings alone don’t guarantee better returns.

Check the agronomic fit

Before switching crops, review what’s been applied to the field in previous seasons. Residual herbicides or rotation restrictions can limit what can be grown next.

“Sometimes in the heat of the moment, we forget about that,” Bond said.

Make sure inputs are available

Even lower-input crops still require seed, crop protection products and other inputs. With tighter supply chains in recent years, Bond said growers shouldn’t assume those products will be readily available.

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Think beyond one season

Changing one crop can affect what’s possible in future years. Farmers should consider how a new crop fits into the rotation long-term, including any limits it may place on returning to more familiar crops.

Know your market

Market access can be one of the biggest hurdles for specialty crops. Unlike canola or wheat, some crops are grown into smaller, less transparent markets.

Consider contracts

For some crops, having a buyer lined up before seeding is key. Without that, growers risk ending up with a crop that is difficult to move.

“You might end up with a crop that’s not marketable,” Bond said.