US crop history maps for your fields

Reading a crop history without overstating it

Keep the year attached to every class you discuss. A leading class describes the largest returned share for that year; it does not establish that every acre carried the same crop. Look at the other substantial classes and check whether the saved field outline matches the ground the grower means.

A mixed year is a question for the visit. You can ask whether the field was divided, whether the boundary changed or whether the grower has records that explain the difference. Record their explanation with the date of the conversation.

Putting the grower’s records beside the map

When the grower supplies planting records, identify them as a separate source. The records may describe crops, dates or field divisions in a way the satellite classification does not. A useful report explains which information came from the map and which came from the operator, especially when the two do not appear to agree.

During the field walk, document the crop and conditions you observe today. Those observations belong to the current visit. If the past rotation matters to your recommendation, explain your reasoning during report review and state any records still needed.

Before sending, check field names and years carefully. A report can become confusing if a grower’s local field name changes while an old outline remains in use. Make the place and period explicit. The next advisor can then revisit the same question without having to infer which ground or season your explanation described.

Who it’s for

Crop advisors preparing to visit a US field can bring its mapped crop history to the grower. The grower’s planting records and your discussion help explain the rotation in the report.