What would it take for you to use strip-till on your farm?

• I already do: 25%
• Money to buy related equipment: 32%
• More evidence that it will work on my farm.: 42%

Do you expect to be profitable this year on corn and soybeans?

• Yes: 52%
• No: 47%

Are you planning to sign up for the new ACRE program?

• Yes: 12%
• No: 64%
• Maybe: 23%

What will you pay for cash rent on good corn ground this growing season?

• Below $160/acre: 43%
• $160-190: 17%
• $190-220: 18%
• $220-260: 10%
• $260-300: 3%
• $300-350: 3%
• Over $350: 2%

Where do you turn most often for new ideas on your farm?

• My farm partners/family: 12%
• Extension: 32%
• Farm magazines: 28%
• Farm magazine Web sites: 8%
• Online farm discussion forums: 0%
• My neighbors: 20%

What is the latest you've ever planted corn?

• Second half of May: 16%
• June 1-15: 37%
• June 15-20: 14%
• June 20-25: 6%
• June 25-30: 25%

What is your main limiting resource?

• Time 46%
• Operating capital 41%
• Know-how on using new technologies 11%

What is your machinery+labor cost/acre? (This survey is anonymous.)

• Above $110/acre: 14%
• $95-110/acre: 12%
• $75-95/acre: 24%
• $60-$75/acre: 25%
• Below $60/acre: 23%

What is your biggest concern as you enter the 2009 planting season?

• Nitrogen prices: 28%
• Spring and summer weather: 42%
• Land/rent prices: 19%
• Credit: 8%

What is your strategy for spring 2009 fertilizer purchases?

• Already locked in most purchases for spring : 17%
• Waiting for fertilizer prices to come down to purchase most spring needs : 46%
• Will purchase fertilizer in increments over the next few months until spring : 14%
• Waiting for crop prices to come up to decide what to do : 16%
• Other: 5%

Who do you think will be the next U.S. Secretary of Agriculture?

• Tom Buis, National Farmers Union president: 3%
• Rep. Stephanie Herseth (D-SD): 37%
• Rep. Collin Peterson (D-MN): 3%
• Sen. Ken Salazar (D-CO): 3%
• Former Rep. Charles Stenholm (D-TX): 4%
• Former IA Gov. Tom Vilsack (D): 47%

What factor will most affect your acreage allocation this spring?

• nitrogen prices: 14%
• crop prices: 25%
• seed availability: 0%
• I will stick with my conventional corn-bean rotation: 59%

With the presidential election just days away, who do you plan to vote for?

• John McCain: 49%
• Barack Obama: 50%