September 14, 2017

Managing Risk: A Conversation with Scott Farms

Scott Farms is a diversified crop farm. Operators include Brian, John, and Robert. Crops produced include corn, waxy corn, popcorn, soybeans, and seed soybeans. Scott Farms has a long history associated with the production of specialty crops, such as waxy corn. Specialty crops are utilized to enhance profitability and mitigate risk. As part of the farm’s efforts to improve its fertility program, variable-rate technology, side dressing of nitrogen, and drone technology are utilized. The use of cover crops has also been incorporated into the cropping systems.

 

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