There are savings to be realized in volume purchasing of inputs.

• Seed corn has been purchased at $7 - $8 less than the company quoted price.
• Fertilizer was purchased at the best price available from three equal suppliers.
• Chemicals were purchased 5 to 10% below typical suppliers.

Based on experience a farm could easily spend $100,000 on crop inputs. A 5% cost reduction is $5,000 of extra profit. This can be accomplished with very little extra effort and no pressure on suppliers.