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

Many producers purchase and apply fertilizer that may not be needed — why waste money? Most of the time producers find that they are applying too many nutrients, especially if manure is part of the operation. Penn State soil test kits now cost $9 and there is a little bit of time involved, but to producers buying or ordering fertilizer the returns will be substantial. Since the ground is not frozen yet, samples could be taken now.

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 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). You can purchase these soil test mailing kits from the Farm Service Agency or the Penn State Cooperative Extension Service. A check or money order is required if bought from the Farm Service Agency.

Even though the price of Penn State soil tests went form $6 to $9, it is still the best bargain around. 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.

Farm Business Plan

The Farm Service Agency will provide its direct and guaranteed farm loan borrowers with a new online Farm Business Plan, an accounting system that will enhance the quality and speed of service that FSA offers America's farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural producers.

The new plan is powered by easy-to-use computer software that is one of the most widely used financial planning tools in the lending industry today. The Farm Business 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 to local USDA Service Centers from the comfort of their homes or offices, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Producers who do not own computers, but who wish to use the system, will be able to access their accounts easily through computers at local public libraries or other facilities with Internet access.Borrowers without computers may complete worksheets by hand.

All users will acquire identification names and passwords to access the system so personal account information remains secure.The system meets federal and USDA requirements, as well as industry standards for electronic commerce and lending services.

The following are just some of the benefits offered by the new Farm Business Plan:

n Producers will find the system is convenient and very easy to use.

n 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.

n Producers can make fewer trips to USDA Service Centers. This saves time and energy and gives producers more time to focus on their businesses.

n 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.

n 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.

n It complies with the Government Paperwork Elimination Act and saves taxpayer dollars.

Every year, FSA's Farm Loan Programs provide 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. Special loan programs exist for beginning farmers and ranchers, socially disadvantaged persons, and rural youth.

Luke Fritz is executive director of the Butler County Farm Service Agency.