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Know the numbers that matter

Elwin Taylor

An extension specialist say farmers need to know the numbers to determine risk.

Iowa State University Climatologist Elwynn Taylor tells Brownfield many farmers may judge the weather as good or bad in a growing season, but they should be tracking several factors that will help manage risk.  “Find out the factors for this year, find out what they were last year, find out what they were for a great year for yield—for a poor year like 2012, a great year like 2004—and then see how this year is comparing.  Is it a good year or a bad year?”

He says numbers to follow include precipitation, heat stress and growing degree days. Taylor says when compared to past growing seasons a farmer can use the numbers to determine what type of crop insurance to buy, when to sell crops, how much to sell, and reduce other management risks.

Taylor spoke with Brownfield during this week’s Center for Excellence Field Day in Lenawee County, Michigan.

AUDIO: Interview with Elwynn Taylor 

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