Many farmers have been attending winter meetings for updated pesticide credits. Normally there are presentations on research data and new ideas for production measures among other items.

One common theme at the meetings was for producers to hold off on greatly reducing or eliminating fertilizer applications. Fertilizer costs are higher than ever before, attributed by some to high energy costs and overseas sales. However, the general consensus was to reduce application rates no more than 10 percent.

A way to make sure you're not wasting fertilizer is to get a few soil tests done. A Penn State soil test checks the pH, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium levels. After testing, you'll receive a report that recommends the amounts and types of lime and fertilizer - if needed - based on the crop being grown.

Soil tests can be taken any time you can get a good sample out of the ground. The results are only as good as the samples you send to the lab.

The best way to take samples is to take several plugs, about 8 inches deep, from each field you want to sample. Plugs should come from all areas of the field and represent the soil typical in that field. Then, mix them thoroughly in a clean plastic bucket or heavy plastic bag so you have a good, homogenized sample that is typical of the soil from across the field. Air-dry half a pint of this soil overnight and mail it to the lab

Even though the price of a Penn State soil test went from $6 to $9, it is still the best bargain around. The cost of the soil test is minor compared to the cost of fertilizers and the potential loss caused by inadequate or unbalanced nutrients. You can purchase these kits from the Farm Service Agency or the Penn State Cooperative Extension.

The FSA will provide an online Farm Business Plan for its direct and guaranteed farm loan borrowers. The Farm Business Plan is an accounting system that will enhance the quality and speed of service that the FSA offers farmers, ranchers and other agricultural producers.The plan is offered on easy-to-use computer software and is one of the most widely used financial planning tools in the lending industry. The plan allows borrowers to document cash flow, expenses, assets, debts and other important financial information.FSA borrowers will be able to fill out and submit their Farm Business Plans via the Internet. Producers who do not own computers or have Internet service will be able to access their accounts through computers at public libraries or other facilities with Internet access. However, borrowers without computers may complete worksheets by hand.All online users will acquire an identification name and password to protect personal information.The following are some of the benefits offered by the Farm Business Plan:FSA Service Center employees will be able to assist producers more quickly in the completion of their Farm Business Plans compared to the Farm and Home Plans.Producers can make fewer trips to USDA Service Centers. This saves time and energy and gives producers more time to focus on their businesses.Producers will have access to their Farm Business Plans at all times, and the system allows producers to chart the progress of their farm operations.FSA farm loan officers can share information more quickly with guaranteed lending partners and other FSA farm loan officials. This improved system of data sharing will speed up processing time.Every year, the FSA's Farm Loan Program provides some $4 billion in loans and guarantees to thousands of qualifying farmers, ranchers and other agricultural producers who are unable to obtain private, commercial credit so they can buy new farms, equipment, feed, fertilizer and other farm operating essentials.