UW Crop Enterprise Budget Tool Helps Evaluate Final Planting and Management Decisions for the 2025 Growing Season

By Kevin Jarek

Agronomic field crop budgets for both grain and forage enterprises commonly grown and harvested in Wisconsin have been updated for 2025 and are available for download. Unfortunately, as farmers and agricultural professionals are aware, commodity prices are down, and input costs continue to rise as the planting season draws nearer. The UW Crop Enterprise Budget Tool can be used to help make decisions on those final flex acres or evaluate the impact in-season management decisions may have on the overall profit potential of this year’s crops.

ARC and PLC Enrollment Information

One of the most significant decisions for many farmers will be selecting the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) or Price Loss Coverage (PLC) option for 2025. The enrollment deadline for ARC/PLC is April 15, 2025. Dr. Paul Mitchell, professor of agricultural and applied economics, University of Wisconsin–Madison has developed a set of informational white papers, videos, and excel-based tools which can help farmers as they work through their decision-making process. Paul provides his latest recommendations (which will be updated again in late March/April) as it relates to which options producers may want to consider for their individual grain crop enterprises here.

Using ARC/PLC Decision-Making Tools

Silva Gaku, farm financial management outreach specialist, UW–Madison Division of Extension, has posted additional information for farmers and agricultural professionals on ARC/PLC that includes a decision-making calculator. Once you enter your county, type of crop, expected yield, and expected price you can get a comparison of the potential payment from enrolling in ARC vs. PLC. This is a very simple and straightforward resource to use.

Using Cover Crop Decision Tools

Cover crops can help farms remain economically viable and environmentally sound. Jeff Hadachek, Assistant Professor of Agricultural and Applied Economics, University of Wisconsin-Madison has posted an informational video focusing on the economics behind soil health which includes a partial budget analysis of how cover crops contribute. Additionally, farmers and ag professionals can evaluate the impact of manure/cover crop nitrogen (N) has on overall crop profitability by using Dr. Hadachek’s Soil Health Decision Tool.

The economics of the 2025 growing season may be stressful and challenging for many. The University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension Farm Management Program is here to help. It is your source for research-based, culturally responsive educational programs, information and tools that inform farm business management decisions to sustain profitable and healthy farm businesses.