In 2021 and 2022, commodity prices for corn and soybeans were historically high. The risk versus reward for crop inputs felt safe and farmers were more willing to invest in low production acres knowing the return would be there. However, commodity prices in 2023 — and now 2024 — are steadily dropping.¹ Margins will inevitably be tighter, and farmers will more closely evaluate every input for its impact on their bottom line.
While outcomes in farming are never guaranteed, there are things farmers can do to help give their crop the best chance at better quality and a higher yield potential.
As Indiana farmer Jared Brown puts it, “When prices are strong, you want every bushel that you can. When prices are weak, you need every bushel you can get.”
Win Against Disease, Win Bushels
Economically damaging diseases vary by region and crop, but studies show the estimated average economic loss from all soybean diseases from 2015-2019 was $45 per acre² and $55.90 per acre³ in corn.
The increase of unpredictable weather each season adds another layer of vulnerability to crops. In seasons with bad weather and low prices, farmers must do everything in their power to get as much yield from each acre as possible. This is where they can really see the value of preventive disease and stress management, while mitigating the effect of disease and environmental stressors to capitalize on the performance benefits certain fungicides provide.
“Over the past 20 years, the fungicide options available for farmers have largely been less consistent and lower performing than what’s available today,” said Joan Jordan, Product Manager at BASF. “This has led them to believe that the return for fungicide applications doesn’t always pay out, especially in years with lower commodity prices. But we’ve come a long way in research and development, and the rules have changed. Fungicides like Revytek®, Veltyma® and Revylok® challenge that narrative through a consistent yield response.
These fungicides contain Revysol®, the latest fungicidal active ingredient from BASF and first Isopropanol-Azole.
Its uncompromising performance in preventative and curative action, fast uptake and lasting residual offer an alternative mode of action farmers can count on when disease and environmental stress rage against their corn and soybeans.
More bushels and more consistency at any price equal more revenue.
Disease onset, weather, commodity price volatility — none of these can be predicted, but they can be planned for. Today, farmers are seeking consistent performance, higher yield and return on their investment. To see real results on real farms, visit RevXFields.com
“Assume soybeans are trading at $10 per bushel. Let’s just look at fungicide application and assume Revytek fungicide is $25 per acre and the leading competitive fungicide is $22 per acre. Our competitor delivers three bushels per acre yield advantage over an untreated check and Revytek fungicide delivers five bushels per acre over the untreated check. The economic return per acre is $25 for Revytek fungicide and only $8 for the other fungicide. That’s a $17 per acre difference,*" said Jordan. “On 200 acres? You could potentially be looking at an extra $3,400 to your bottom line.”
¹Williams, Brian, et al. “Declining Crop Prices, Rising Production and Exports Highlight U.S. Agricultural projections to 2032.” USDA Economic Research Service, 9 Feb. 2023.
²Bradley, Carl, et al. “Soybean Yield Loss Estimates Due to Disease in the United States and Ontario, Canada, from2015 to 2019.” APS Journals, 4 Nov. 2021, https://doi.org/10.1094/PHP-01-21-0013-RS.
³Mueller, Daren, et al. “Corn Yield Loss Estimates Due to Disease in the United States and Ontario, Canada, from2016 to 2019.” APS Journals, 20 Aug. 2020, https://doi.org/10.1094/PHP-05-20-0038-RS.
*For illustration purpose, internal market estimate indicates Revytek fungicide at $22.11/A and Miravis® Neofungicide $21.6/A in January 2024. Yield advantage data is pulled from RevX Fields. Net return is calculated by (yield advantage x price) minus cost of product. Prices and returns are estimates only; individual results will depend on actual prices and yields.
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