Crop Protection & Fertilizers Category Guide

What Is Crop Protection & Weed Management?

Crop protection and weed management encompasses all practices and products used to protect feed crops from competition and damage—including herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and integrated pest management strategies that combine chemical, cultural, and biological controls.

Why Crop Protection Matters

Weeds, insects, and diseases reduce crop yields and quality. Effective protection maximizes the feed value you harvest from each acre. However, protection strategies must balance effectiveness with cost, safety, and environmental considerations.

Key Benefits

• Yield protection: Minimize losses to pests and competition
• Quality preservation: Reduce weed seeds and contaminants in feed
• Nutrient efficiency: Crops capture applied nutrients instead of weeds
• Predictable production: More consistent yields year to year

Weed Management

Herbicides

Pre-emergent products prevent weed germination. Post-emergent products control established weeds. Product selection depends on crop, weed spectrum, and timing.

Cultural Controls

Rotation, tillage timing, planting dates, and competitive crop stands reduce weed pressure without chemicals.

Mechanical Control

Cultivation and mowing control weeds through physical removal.

Insect and Disease Management

Scouting

Regular monitoring identifies problems before they cause economic damage. Treat based on thresholds, not calendar schedules.

Integrated Pest Management

Combine cultural, biological, and chemical controls for effective, sustainable management.

Crop Health

Healthy, vigorous crops resist pest and disease pressure better than stressed crops.

Do You Need Crop Protection Services?

Consider professional crop protection if:

• Weed pressure is reducing yields
• Insect or disease problems are affecting crops
• You want expert recommendations on product selection
• Application equipment or timing is challenging

Cost Considerations

Herbicide programs cost $20-60/acre for corn, less for forages. Insecticide treatments are often $10-25/acre when needed. Scouting services may cost $2-5/acre. The ROI depends on pest pressure—treating problems that would cause significant yield loss pays; treating minor issues may not.