Of special interest in this study was
investigating how users differed from nonusers in farming practices and attitudes. Implementation of new ideas were examined. Users were asked, "What new ideas has your consultant helped you with?" Nonusers were asked, "What new ideas have you adopted in the past 5 years?" Moderate to large differences exist between the groups, especially in changes in fertilizer use and pesticide applications, the two primary changes implemented by users. |
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Changes in Farm Operation Both groups were asked several questions about changes in their farm operation. Users were asked what changes have occurred as a result of working with the crop consulting firm. Nonusers were asked what changes have occurred since 1988. While soybean and corn yields have increased in similar patterns for both groups, changes in profits and inputs differ. Fifty-nine percent of users indicated an increase in farm profits per acre, compared to 20 percent of nonusers indicating a similar increase. Twenty percent of users indicated an increase in total cash input per acre, compared to 64 percent of nonusers indicating an increase. These changes in profits and inputs, as well as the large differences existing between the two groups, reveal potential benefits of employing a crop consultant. Fifty-six percent of the users in the survey attributed changes in total cost of production (for corn and soybeans) to their consultants' effectiveness. |
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