By BASF

In 2021 and 2022, commodity prices for corn and soybeans were historically high. The risk versus reward for crop inputs felt safe and growers were more willing to invest in low production acres knowing the return would be there. However, prices in 2023 – and now 2024 – are steadily dropping¹. Margins will inevitably be tighter, and growers will more closely evaluate every input for its impact on their bottom line.

While outcomes in farming are never guaranteed, there are things growers can do to help give their crop the best chance at better quality and a higher yield potential.

As Indiana farmer Jared Brown puts it, “When prices are strong, you want every bushel that you can. When prices are weak, you need every bushel you can get.”

Economically damaging diseases vary by region and crop, but studies show the estimated average economic loss from all soybean diseases from 2015-2019 was $45 per acre² and $55.90 per acre³ in corn.

The increase of unpredictable weather each season adds another layer of vulnerability to crops. In seasons with bad weather and low prices, growers must do everything in their power to get as much yield from each acre as possible. This is where they can really see the value of preventive disease management: to mitigate the effect of disease and capitalize on the performance benefits certain fungicides provide.

Over the past 20 years, the fungicide options available for growers have often been less consistent and lower performing than what’s available today. This has led growers to believe that the return for fungicide applications doesn’t always pay out, especially in years with lower commodity prices. But we’ve come a long way in research and development and the rules have changed. The latest fungicides like Revytek^® and Veltyma^® are what challenge that historic narrative through a consistent yield response.

These fungicides contain Revysol^®, the latest fungicidal active ingredient from BASF and first Isopropanol-Azole.

It’s uncompromising performance in curative action, fast uptake and lasting residual offer an alternative mode of action growers can count on when disease and environmental stress rage against their corn and soybeans.

Assume soybeans are trading at $10 per bushel. Looking at the fungicide application alone, Revytek fungicide is $25 per acre. On average, Revytek fungicide delivers five bushels per acre over an untreated check. The economic return per acre would be $25 for Revytek fungicide*. More bushels and more consistency at any price equal more revenue.

Disease onset, weather, commodity price volatility – none of these can be predicted, but they can be planned for. Today, growers are seeking consistent performance, higher yield and return on their investment. To see real results on real farms, visit RevXFields.com.

¹Williams, Brian, et al. “Declining Crop Prices, Rising Production and Exports Highlight U.S. Agricultural projections to 2032.” USDA Economic Research Service, 9 Feb. 2023.

²Bradley, Carl, et al. “Soybean Yield Loss Estimates Due to Disease in the United States and Ontario, Canada, from 2015 to 2019.” APS Journals, 4 Nov. 2021, doi.org/10.1094/PHP-01-21-0013-RS.

³Mueller, Daren, et al. “Corn Yield Loss Estimates Due to Disease in the United States and Ontario, Canada, from 2016 to 2019.” APS Journals, 20 Aug. 2020, https://doi.org/10.1094/PHP-05-20-0038-RS.

*For illustration purpose. Yield based on summary of 2019-2022 RevX field-scale demonstration trials. For location details, visit RevXFields.com; all treatments applied within the recommended label rates. Net return is calculated by (yield advantage x price) minus cost of product. Prices and returns are estimates only; individual results will depend on actual prices and yields.

Always read and follow label directions. Revysol, Revytek and Veltyma are registered trademarks of BASF. © 2024 BASF Corporation. All rights reserved.