Crop & Forage Agronomy Consulting Category Guide

The Value of Agronomy Expertise

Growing quality forages and crops is fundamental to dairy profitability—feed costs typically represent 50-60% of milk production costs. Professional agronomists help dairy farms maximize forage quality and yield while managing land efficiently and sustainably.

Services Provided

Crop Planning

• Crop rotation planning
• Variety and hybrid selection
• Acreage allocation
• Planting schedules and timing
• Yield goal setting

Soil Management

• Soil testing and analysis
• Fertility recommendations
• Lime and amendment needs
• Soil health assessment
• Drainage evaluation

Forage Quality

• Harvest timing recommendations
• Storage and preservation guidance
• Forage quality testing
• Silage management advice
• Hay and baleage production

Pest and Weed Management

• Integrated pest management (IPM)
• Herbicide recommendations
• Insect and disease scouting
• Resistance management

Types of Consultants

Independent Agronomists

Fee-for-service consultants without product sales conflicts. Recommendations based solely on farm needs.

Crop Input Company Agronomists

Often provided free with product purchases. Good resource but may favor their employer's products.

Extension Specialists

University-based experts providing research-based guidance through Extension programs.

Working with Agronomists

• Share production goals and constraints
• Provide historical yield and input data
• Communicate with nutritionist about forage needs
• Implement recommendations consistently
• Track results for future planning

Choosing an Agronomist

• Experience with dairy forage systems
• Knowledge of local conditions
• Certification (CCA, CPAg)
• Communication style match
• References from other dairy producers

Cost Considerations

Independent agronomy consulting typically costs $500-2,000 per visit or $3-10 per acre annually for comprehensive programs. Return on investment comes from improved yields, better forage quality, and optimized input costs. The value of even small improvements in forage quality can far exceed consulting fees.