Facing another year of tight margins in corn and soybean production, farmers are scrutinizing input costs to see where they can save money without sacrificing yields.

Land and machinery are the two largest outlays on most farms, accounting for more than one-half of input costs for both corn and soybeans, according to Iowa State University (ISU) cost of production estimates. Those costs are likely locked in for 2019, although it doesn’t hurt to have a conversation with your landlord or evaluate your machinery line to identify potential savings either this year or next, Mark Licht, ISU cropping systems specialist,...