Certified Crop Advisor Practice Exam

Production history or level of management is useful in determining what aspect of crop production?

1. Water needs

2. Pest control methods

3. Yield goals

4. Soil amendments

The correct answer is: Yield goals

Choosing yield goals based on production history or level of management is vital because it provides insight into what a specific field or farm has previously produced under certain conditions, including climate, soil health, and farming practices. This historical data allows for a more accurate assessment of realistic yield expectations, tailored to the specific capabilities of the land and the management strategies employed. By understanding past production levels, advisors can set achievable yield goals that can motivate farmers while also encouraging improvements in management practices. This approach helps bridge the gap between potential and actual production, making it easier to identify areas needing enhancement to reach or exceed those goals. In comparison, while water needs, pest control methods, and soil amendments are critical components of crop production, they don't necessarily rely as heavily on historical data for establishing their appropriate application or targeting. Each of these factors can vary significantly from season to season or based on other external conditions, and thus, while important, they don’t directly tie back to the historical performance in the same way yield goals do.