The NDSU Extension Service has updated the Crop Compare program, which is a spreadsheet designed to compare cropping alternatives and provides a tool for producers to check the changing scenarios until final planting decisions are made this spring.

The program uses the direct costs and yields from the 2015 projected crop budgets for nine regions of North Dakota, but producers are encouraged to enter the expected yields and input costs for their farm.

The user designates a reference crop and enters the expected market price. Depending on the region, a broad selection of nine to 18 crops are compared. The program gives the prices for competing crops that would be necessary to provide the same return over variable costs as the reference crop. 

"Producers can compare these 'break-even' prices to expected market prices to see which crop is most likely to compete with the reference crop," said Andy Swenson, NDSU Extension Service farm management specialist. "Grain prices can move quickly. The program provides a tool for producers to check the changing scenarios until final planting decisions are made this spring."

The Crop Compare program is available at www.ag.ndsu.edu/farmmanagement/tools.