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Crop Production Records Increase Efficiency, Profit Potential
Whether you use computer software or handwritten notes that you keep in your pickup truck, it’s important to keep good crop production records. Following are examples of crop data to consider
recording every growing season, from Purdue University. Complete, printable field records (with examples for nutrient planning and nutrient applications, not included here) can be found online at
www.btny.purdue.edu/Pubs/PPP/PPP-18.pdf. Add, subtract, and adapt crop records data to your own liking and farm situation.
A Farm Business Management instructor (links in Minnesota, www.mgt.org/fbm/instructors/index.htm) would be an excellent contact for more information on establishing and keeping good farm records.
Crop Information
Use this information to evaluate how management practices influence crop yields. Yield goals can also be compared to actual crop yields to determine how realistic you’ve made the yield goals.
- Year
- Crop
- Hybrid/Variety
- Yield Goal
- Actual Yield
- Planting Date
- Population Planted
- Actual Population
- Planter Settings
- Tillage Practices and Dates
- Crop Residue (% cover left after planting)
- Harvest Date
Pesticide Records
Recording all pesticide applications optimizes pest control strategies for the upcoming year, and helps to evaluate previous pesticides and their performance. Information may also help meet the requirement
of private pesticide applicators to record applications of restricted-use pesticides.
- Date (M/D/Y)
- Applicator/Permit #
- Crop/Field Location
- Field Location/# of Acres
- Pest Treated
- Chemical Brand Name/Formulation
- Name of Manufacturer
- EPA Registration
- Planter Settings
- Rate/Acre
- Total Amount Applied
- Other Notes (application method, adjuvant, etc.)
Soil Test Summary
The data you collect here helps evaluate how your crop and nutrient management program is influencing the nutrient status of each field.
- Date of Soil Test Report
- Sampler/Soil Test Lab
- Sample ID
- pH
- Soil Test Nutrient Level (lb/a) for N, P and K
- Other Nutrients (use this space for sulfur, micronutrients, or other soil tests not routinely recommended)
- Organic Matter
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