With the year winding down, now is a good time to plan ahead for the upcoming season.

To make sure 2013 is successful, here are a few keys areas that can help you get the most from your farm.

• Converting to no-till can save you an average $11 to $15 per acre when switching from conventional tillage systems based on fuel savings alone.

You can save even more when factoring in time and fertilizer reductions. When these savings are combined, you can easily justify hiring a custom planter for the first few years if a no-till planter is not in the budget.

• Split applications of nitrogen fertilizer not only helps reduce runoff and volatilization, but it also helps reduce the overall amount to apply.

By testing the crop before application with a chlorophyll meter or tissue sample, you’ll precisely know the actual need during peak growth, which can fluctuate from year to year based on the environmental conditions.

Book values for crop nitrogen are based on a set nitrogen cost. As the cost of nitrogen increases, the return on investment is diminished.

By testing you’ll know the amount still needed, and you can determine whether the time and expense is worth it. Without testing, you’re taking a shot in the dark at the plant’s need and if it’s even economical to do so.

• On the same note, if you have animals, a nutrient management plan will reduce fertilizer expenses overall and details the best utilization for the manure produced.

While the animals are on pasture, a grazing plan should be developed that details rotational paddocks and grazing intervals that promote better forage and pasture utilization.

By implementing this plan you’ll see improved pasture yields and a reduction in supplemental feeding throughout the year.

While saving can be found in most areas of the farm, these ideas are easy to implement and can set the groundwork for a successful 2013.

Andy Gaver is a conservationist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Butler County.