It looks like spring is here, maybe.  It’s been quite an unusual winter with warmer than usual temperatures and little snow. The great lakes were open all winter. Is this the new normal? As we gear up for spring, crop plan details are being finalized and equipment is being serviced.  There is perhaps a bit more caution as we head into spring this year. Crop margins are tighter than we have seen in the past few years. Borrowing costs are higher for inputs and equipment. Crop budgets have been a useful tool to navigate the financial scenarios of 2024.  But there are a few things that we can all focus on that will lead to a successful year: crop rotation and soil health.  These two practices are at the core of every good farm and have carried farms through decades of erratic markets and erratic weather.  Both of these practices create resilience in your farm business.  Here is the definition of resilience- “the capacity to withstand or to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.”  Perhaps it’s a good exercise to view your 2024 crop plan through the lens of resilience. Are the potential farm costs compromising your crop rotation or soil health?

At Grey County Soil and Crop we are looking forward to another great year.  In our year end survey at the AGM responses were overwhelmingly positive about our mid summer crop walk.  This has been a real highlight and a valuable day for members and planning has begun.  I look forward to seeing everyone there. Bring on spring.

Thanks,

Deb Campbell, Grey SCIA President

Cell: 519-323-6166