The use of pre-crop values to improve farm performance: the case of dairy farms in southwest Finland

Abstract

Pre-crop values are used to indicate the benefits of a previous crop for a subsequent crop in crop sequencing. A better understanding and research on pre-crop values has the potential to facilitate the diversification of crop production. Despite the various benefits of diversification, the limited knowledge and incentives concerning the pre-crop values in the market conditions have contributed to the persistence of cereal-dominated land use. The present study evaluated the benefits of utilizing pre-crop values in a Finnish context. Results based on dynamic optimization modelling showed that incorporating more information on pre-crop values into farmers’ decision-making contributes to increased net present values (NPV). The adoption of pre-crop values was analysed under five different scenarios: Removal of the Common Agricultural Policy land constraints, 30% increase in labour costs, +/−10% change in crop prices, and 30% increase in N fertilizer price. Under each scenario, the response of the baseline model (without pre-crop values) was compared to the response of the model with pre-crop values. In all scenarios, the results of the model with pre-crop values showed higher NPVs, higher yields and slightly lower GHG emissions. Hence, increasing knowledge and utilization of pre-crop values may significantly promote shifts towards more sustainable agriculture.