Rotations for profitability

In the end, growers have to consider profitability when making rotation decisions. Taking a risk on a tight canola rotation may be the better economic decision for their farm that year. The key is to consider the overall approach to insect, disease and weed management and, ultimately, how all rotation decisions will influence the long-term profit potential for the farm. This is also where risk management related to differences among crops in nutrient use, moisture use and stress tolerance come into play. Relative performance of crops will vary year to year depending on which challenges are most limiting to yields in that year, so some having some diversity can help manage economic risk in the long term.

As stated in the intro, recognize the value of diversity. The more growers do to vary their practices — including rotation of crops, pest control products, and varieties — the harder it will be for disease, insects and weeds to adapt and increase.