The value of soil testing is now greater than ever, considering the record prices for fertilizer.

Many producers purchase and apply fertilizer that might not be needed. Why waste money? Most of the time, producers find they are applying too many nutrients, especially if manure is part of the operation.

Penn State soil test kits cost $9. While there is a little bit of time involved, for producers buying or ordering fertilizer, the returns will be substantial. Since the ground is not yet frozen yet, samples can be taken.

If producers do not take advantage of the current soil conditions to pull samples, they can be completed any time you can get a probe into the ground to get a good sample.

Remember, the results are only as good as the sample you send to the lab. Take several plugs about 8 inches deep (plow depth) from each field you want to sample. Plugs should come from all areas of the field and represent soil typical of the field. Mix them thoroughly in a clean plastic bucket or heavy plastic bag so you have a good homogenized sample typical of the soil from across the field. Air-dry half a pint of this soil overnight and mail to the Penn State soils lab in the envelope provided in the kit. You can purchase these soil test mailing kits from the Farm Service Agency or the Penn State Cooperative Extension Service.

A soil test is the only way you have of estimating the chemical makeup of the soil and what you need or do not need in the way of lime and fertilizer. The cost of the soil test is minor compared to the cost of fertilizers and the potential losses caused by inadequate or unbalanced nutrients. You don't have to test every field every year. One test every three years is enough.

County Committee ballot deadline nearFarmers and farm owners in LAA#3, which encompasses the southern third of Butler County, are being reminded to return their ballot for the County Committee election.Anyone who did not receive a ballot and resides in Cranberry, Jackson, Adams, Forward, Middlesex, Penn, Clinton, Jefferson, Buffalo or Winfield townships should contact the Farm Service Agency office and request a replacement ballot.The FSA county committee system is unique among government agencies because it allows producers to make important decisions concerning the local administration of federal farm programs. All eligible farmers and ranchers, especially minorities and women, are urged to get involved and make a real difference in their communities by voting in this year's election. Voters have until Dec. 7 to return their ballots to the county office.Committee members apply their knowledge and judgment to make decisions on disaster and conservation payments, commodity price support loans and payments, establishment of allotments and yields, producer appeals, employing FSA county executive directors and other local issues. FSA committees operate within official regulations designed to carry out federal laws.The nominees for election in LAA#3 are Richard Hilliard, a farm manager for Rath Farms in Penn Township; Adam "A.J." Kennedy of Cabot; and Jeffrey Kennedy of Penn Township.Voters are reminded to sign the label on the inside flap of the return envelope to be considered a valid ballot. The labels are removed before opening of the ballots to ensure a private vote.Luke Fritz is executive director of the Butler County Farm Service Agency.