Simple Practices to Improve Crop Yields on Missouri Farms

1/21/2025

Kennadi Harris

No farmer wants to feel like their efforts aren’t being rewarded in the field. That’s why taking the necessary steps to improve the growing process is extremely important to maximize your yields. Crop yield is the measurement used for the amount of crop harvested per acre or unit of land area. This is a significant indicator of a farmer’s performance and the reason farmers are constantly looking for opportunities to improve. It all comes down to how you care for your crops, from fertilization and irrigation to pest control. In this blog, we’ll explore several practices you can implement on your Missouri farm to maximize yield and have a successful farming operation.

Seed Quality

Achieving high yields starts with the seeds you plant. Investing in high-quality, certified seeds ensures better chances of growth and success in the field. Certified seeds require extensive testing to guarantee their quality, resulting in healthier plants and higher yields. While these seeds may cost more upfront, the improved results make them a worthwhile investment.

Precision Agriculture 

Precision agriculture is one of the most effective ways to boost your yields while streamlining your operation. With tools like GPS, sensors, satellites, and advanced software, you can gain valuable insights into weather patterns, soil conditions, and more. John Deere’s Operation Center is an easy-to-use platform that gives you a broad look at the most valuable information so you can plan, monitor, and analyze data to make well-informed decisions faster. For straight and accurate passes, John Deere AutoTrac offers hands-free guidance, reducing overlap and saving time. Additionally, Variable Rate Application technology ensures you're applying seed and chemicals precisely where they’re needed most, helping you save on inputs while maximizing productivity.

Soil Health Management

Healthy soil is essential for planting and harvesting an abundance of healthy crops. Actively caring for your soil gives your crops a good foundation for growth, which promotes successful farming. Testing your soil can provide valuable insights into your soil’s pH levels and nutrient deficiencies to better determine its particular needs, enabling you to utilize fertilizer and other chemicals efficiently. Once you examine your soil, implementing practices such as nutrient balancing or cover cropping can restore vital properties in your soil, leading to increased yields and profitability.

Optimized Irrigation

Water management is another vital aspect of successful farming, especially in Missouri where rainfall levels can be unpredictable. Utilizing precision irrigation systems can give you better control of your field’s water intake to ensure consistent crop growth. John Deere Mobile Weather captures in-field weather information to help you make better decisions when it comes to product application. In addition to precision technology, you can also implement sustainable irrigation methods like cover cropping to minimize runoff and improve soil retention.

Crop Rotation

Crop rotation is a tried-and-true practice that offers numerous benefits for farmers including improving soil fertility, preventing soil disease,  minimizing erosion, and controlling pests. Crop rotation involves growing different crops in the same area over multiple growing seasons. Success with crop rotation requires careful planning to ensure the right mix of crops, such as corn and soybeans, to meet your farm’s needs. Over time, this method promotes biodiversity in your soil and enhances its resilience, leading to healthier fields and better yields.

Pest and Weed Control

No matter how well you manage your crops; pests, weeds, and diseases are constant threats that can harm plant health and reduce yields. To protect your fields, consider proactive strategies like integrated pest management (IPM). This approach includes targeted applications of pesticides, herbicides, and other treatments. With tools like John Deere’s ExactApply, you can apply chemicals precisely where they’re needed, minimizing waste while maximizing effectiveness. Taking these steps ensures healthier crops and better results at harvest.

Each of these practices and strategies has continuously proven to increase yields for hundreds of farmers in the delta. Every farm is different, so carefully consider the needs and properties of your land before implementing one of these strategies into your field. For tailored guidance in boosting crop yields on your Missouri farm, reach out to one of our precision ag specialists and they’ll be happy to assist.