Producers contacting the FSA office recently have been concerned about input (production) costs for 2013.

In particular, fertilizer costs have producers concerned. Average costs are around $700 per ton compared to what used to be in the $300 range.

Because fertilizer is a major component of crop production, every effort should be made to only apply what nutrients are actually needed.

There has never been a better time to take soil tests. Soil conditions in the fall are ideal for taking samples. Soil sample results will be back in time to enable farmers to plan fertilizer purchases needed for crop production in 2013.

A complete soil test report shows the amount of lime, fertilizer and magnesium that is needed to produce the intended crop. Guessing on the amount of lime and kind of fertilizer to use can increase the cost of planting and reduce production at the same time.

Penn State complete soil test kits cost $9 each and are available at the county FSA and Extension Service offices. 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 that is typical of the soil from across the field.

Air-dry half a pint of this soil overnight and mail to the lab (address on the plastic envelope). Directions for taking good soil samples are part of the information contained in the soil test kit.

Winter cover crops are often an overlooked nutrient management tool that can provide numerous benefits.A cover crop could provide forage next spring or, if allowed to mature, could provide grain. Either way, a cover crop could be used to supplement feed supplies.Also, many farmers need to empty their manure storage units during the fall season. This means these crop nutrients are applied to cropland at a time of year when they are not needed by a growing crop.Winter cover crops can take advantage of these nutrients. If you are applying manure to cropland this fall, plan on planting a small grain cover crop such as rye. The rye will take up the available nitrogen and hold it in the plant, preventing its loss to the water supply.Luke Fritz is executive director of the Butler County Farm Service Agency.