[link|http://www.agriculture.com/ag/story.jhtml?storyid=/templatedata/ag/story/data/agNews_050314crINPUTS.xml&catref=ag1001|Here]:

As crop producers make plans for the season ahead, many are experiencing sticker shock on production inputs. The rising tide of input costs is being fueled largely by higher energy prices - and it illustrates how wide the ripple effect of energy costs can be, according to a release from Syngenta.

Fuel, fertilizer, crop protection chemicals, seed and traits are all expected to cost more in 2005. Optimizing inputs and yields for maximum profitability will be very important in the season ahead.

[...]

Evaluate your crop mix. "In recent years, corn returns generally have been above soybeans in northern and central Illinois," Schnitkey points out. "As a consequence, some farmers are considering planting more corn and fewer soybeans." The threat of Asian soybean rust in 2005 also changes the potential economics of soybeans, especially toward the southern and eastern Corn Belt. Or the cost of pumping irrigation water may lead some producers to opt for dryland crops or lower-water-use crops.


FWIW.

Cheers,
Scott.