Getting your start in the farming industry is no easy task, it requires a great knowledge of horticulture and agricultural studies as well as very hard labor. The other difficult aspect is choosing which crops to plant and keeping those crops healthy. Crop protection such as aerial spraying is one such example of the operational cost you must consider. Also land is not unlimited and you must have a well-executed and designed layout for your crops in order to have the highest profit yield possible. Overall, crop selection is the first decision to make in farm development as it will dictate every other decision and there are several factors to consider if you want to be successful.
THE LAY OF THE LAND
An environmental survey and scan should be the very first step you take. This will give you all the necessary information on the biotic factors that can impact your crop growth and yield, soil quality and pH levels, and accessibility to crops. These factors basically refer living organisms that can impact your farm such as insects and pests, pathogens of disease, ruminant livestock, and weeds to name a few. The rule of thumb is, know your farmland, then choose your crop.
Topographic qualities such as the terrain, elevation and pH levels of the soil will make the decision for you of which crops can grow there. Not all soils are suitable for all crops and you want to plant crops that are native to the soil you have. Climate and natural supply of water such as ponds or reservoirs nearby will also play a key factor in crop choice. You must also consider your geographic location in relation to the market area/distribution region you choose to serve. Farm –to-market feasibility is a key factor in crop selection as crops have a limited shelf life.
CROP ADAPTABILITY
Especially in regions with mixed climates or variable climates, the adaptability of the crop to thrive in multiple climates is also a key deciding factor. You should choose crops that can easily adapt to various climates at your farm site. A good method to identify this is to look at existing farms and see what a majority of farmers are growing the most, and how well they are growing. Crops should also be adaptable to crop protection methods such as aerial spraying and other herbicide delivery methods.
PROFITABILITY
If you are looking to be successful in cash crop farming or even just be financially sustainable, the crops you choose must be profitable and have a good market demand. This usually means the crop must deliver high yields, and have a robust demand. Crops such as apples, beans, and corn are just some examples of high demand crops. With the incorporation of efficient planting and harvesting processes and proper protection using aerial spraying, your harvest will yield a profit generating a significant return on your investment. Keep in mind though you still need to handle the business end of things such as marketing and proper distribution.
CROP PROTECTION
When you have a crop that is your livelihood you protect it with herbicides to kill weeds, fences to keep livestock out and effective pest control. Regardless of if you do this manually or with more advanced methods such as aerial spraying; you also need to choose a crop that is resistant to environmental threats. Choosing to plant susceptible varieties of crops may actually negatively impact crop yield and profit.
If this quick overview has motivated you to take the next step in starting your cash crop business, CLICK HERE to have HELI AG protect that crop, so you don’t lose your investment. We offer the most versatile and reliable aerial spraying service in Texas.