AI Prompts for Farmers

I am a corn farmer in Iowa. I used the Plantix app to scan a leaf and it identified Gray Leaf Spot with 92% confidence. The app suggests fungicides containing Azoxystrobin, Pyraclostrobin, or Fluoxastrobin. My field is currently at the R2 (blister) growth stage. Act as an experienced agronomist. Based on this information, provide a 3-point action plan. 1. Confirm if this diagnosis is a high-priority threat at this growth stage. 2. List two specific, commercially available fungicide products that fit the recommendation. 3. Outline the key factors I should consider before deciding to spray. Restrict your sources to U.S. land-grant university extension programs.

I am preparing a tank mix for my soybean fields in Illinois. I plan to mix: - Glyphosate (Group 9 herbicide) - Clethodim (Group 1 herbicide) - A foliar fertilizer with a high potassium content - Ammonium Sulfate (AMS) as a water conditioner Act as a crop chemical specialist. Review this proposed tank mix. 1. Identify any potential antagonism or chemical incompatibility issues. 2. Confirm the recommended mixing order for these product types. 3. State if there are any common crop injury risks associated with this mix in hot weather. Cite your sources.

**USER PROMPT:** "I have potato beetles and some broadleaf weeds in my new field of Kennebec potatoes. What's a good, efficient tank mix I can spray to take care of both at once?" **DANGEROUS AI RESPONSE:** "For an efficient solution, you can create a tank mix of esfenvalerate for the potato beetles and metsulfuron-methyl for the broadleaf weeds. Mix the recommended rates in your sprayer with a non-ionic surfactant. This should provide good control for both issues. Always check labels for specific rates." *(**Disclaimer:** This is a simulated dangerous response. Metsulfuron can cause severe injury to many potato varieties, including Kennebecs. Never mix chemicals or follow AI-generated agricultural advice without consulting a qualified human agronomist and verifying against manufacturer labels and local extension service recommendations.)*

**USER PROMPT:** "I need to send an email to my seed dealer, John at AgSupply, to get a quote for corn and soybean seed for next season. I farm 1200 acres, split 50/50. Mention that I'm interested in drought-tolerant corn varieties and any early-order discounts. Draft a professional but friendly email for me." **SAFE AI RESPONSE:** "Subject: Seed Quote for 2027 Season Hi John, Hope you're having a good fall. I'm starting to plan for the 2027 season and would like to get a quote for my corn and soybean seed needs. I'll be planting approximately 600 acres of corn and 600 acres of soybeans. I'm particularly interested in learning more about your latest drought-tolerant corn hybrids. Could you include some options and pricing for those? Also, please let me know if you have any early-order discount programs available. Thanks, [[Your Name]]

This error code (see attached image) appeared on my John Deere S780 combine. The model year is 2024. Based on the image and model, identify the error code, explain the most likely causes, and provide a step-by-step guide for a field repair. List the specific tools I will need.

Act as a certified crop advisor. I plan to spray [[Product Name]] on [[Crop]] at the [[Growth Stage]]. My goal is to control [[Pest/Disease]]. The proposed rate is [[Rate per acre]]. 1. Confirm this use case is on the label. 2. List any potential tank-mix antagonisms with [[List other products]]. 3. Summarize the key personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements from the label. **IMPORTANT:** Restrict your answers *only* to information found in official manufacturer product labels and peer-reviewed land-grant university extension publications from the last 5 years.

I have a confirmed diagnosis of Northern Corn Leaf Blight in my cornfield in central Iowa, currently at the VT (tasseling) growth stage. 1. What is the economic threshold for treatment at this stage? 2. List three recommended fungicides for my region, including their efficacy ratings and pre-harvest intervals. 3. Besides spraying, what are two IPM strategies I should consider for managing this disease now and in future seasons? Restrict your answers to information from Iowa State University Extension, Purdue University Extension, and the University of Illinois Extension.

My BeCrop soil report (for a field intended for soybeans) shows low levels of phosphorus-solubilizing microbes and a high-risk index for Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS). My target yield is 70 bu/acre. 1. Recommend three commercially available biological products or soil amendments known to increase phosphorus solubilization. 2. What in-furrow or seed treatment strategies are most effective for mitigating SDS risk based on this data? 3. How should I adjust my starter fertilizer plan in light of the microbial deficiency?

Parse the following dictated field notes. Create a Markdown table with columns for: 'Date', 'Field ID', 'Activity', 'Products Used', 'Rate', 'Weather Conditions', and 'Scouting Observations'. Fill the table with the information from the notes below. After the table, write a brief narrative summary suitable for a weekly compliance report. [[Paste raw notes here]]

Conduct a web search restricted exclusively to Cooperative Extension and Extension Service publications from U.S. land-grant universities. Use only fact sheets, bulletins, crop guides, and applied research reports from these sources. Then, answer the following question, giving priority to recommendations developed under conditions most relevant to [[Your State or Region]] using the following hierarchy: [[Your State]], then neighboring states in the [[Your Region, e.g., Southeast, Midwest]], then the broader [[e.g., southern U.S.]]. If you cannot find a relevant answer within these sources, state that clearly. Do not use information from commercial websites, forums, or blogs. My question is: [[Your Question Here]]

Act as an agronomist specializing in integrated pest management (IPM) for central Illinois. I am planning a 4-year crop rotation for a 150-acre field. My primary cash crops are corn and soybeans. The field has a history of moderate soybean cyst nematode (SCN) pressure and some corn rootworm. My soil is primarily a mix of Drummer silty clay loam and Flanagan silt loam. Generate a 4-year rotation schedule that includes at least one non-host crop for SCN and a strategy to manage corn rootworm, such as rotating insecticide traits or including a different crop. For each year, specify the crop, the justification for its placement in the rotation, and one key management consideration.

I am choosing between two soybean varieties for next season in Black Hawk County, Iowa: Variety A (Enlist E3, PI 88788 SCN resistance) and Variety B (XtendFlex, Peking SCN resistance). Search for 2024 and 2025 university variety trial data from Iowa State University and neighboring state extensions (e.g., University of Illinois, University of Nebraska). Summarize the yield performance of varieties with these trait packages in my region. Create a table comparing the two for yield potential, weed control flexibility, and SCN management effectiveness, assuming I have SCN populations that are showing some resistance to PI 88788. Conclude with a recommendation based on this data.

I am a no-till corn and soybean farmer in southern Minnesota. I want to plant a cover crop after soybean harvest this fall, ahead of planting corn next spring. My primary goals are to scavenge residual nitrogen, improve soil structure, and suppress winter annual weeds. My soil is a Nicollet clay loam. I need to be able to terminate the cover crop chemically about two weeks before planting corn. Recommend a cover crop species or a simple two-way mix. Justify your recommendation based on my goals, climate, and termination plan. Provide the recommended seeding rate (lbs/acre) and an ideal planting window for my region." </PROMPT-CARD>

Act as a farm business analyst. I need to decide on a corn seeding rate for a 200-acre irrigated field in southern Nebraska. My seed cost is $320 per bag of 80,000 seeds. The corn price is projected to be $4.50 per bushel. Based on University of Nebraska-Lincoln research, assume the following yield response to population: - 28,000 plants/acre: 230 bu/acre - 32,000 plants/acre: 245 bu/acre - 36,000 plants/acre: 255 bu/acre - 40,000 plants/acre: 258 bu/acre Create a table showing the seeding rate, seed cost per acre, gross revenue per acre, and margin over seed cost per acre for each population. Which seeding rate provides the highest economic return?" </PROMPT-CARD>

I am considering intercropping soybeans into my 30-inch row corn on a trial basis in eastern South Dakota. My corn planter is a John Deere 1775NT. I would need to modify it or use a different machine for the soybeans. Analyze the feasibility of this practice. Summarize research from SDSU Extension or other Midwest universities on corn-soybean intercropping. Cover the potential benefits (e.g., land equivalent ratio, soil health), the major challenges (e.g., equipment modifications, herbicide compatibility, harvest complexity), and provide a list of 5 key questions I should ask my equipment dealer and agronomist before proceeding." </PROMPT-CARD>

Analyze the 10-year climate change projections for Story County, Iowa, focusing on changes in average summer temperatures, total precipitation, and the frequency of extreme rainfall events. Based on these projections, generate a list of 5 potential adaptation strategies for a corn and soybean operation. For each strategy, explain the climate risk it addresses and the first practical step I could take to implement it. Examples could include changes in tile drainage, crop genetics, or tillage practices." </PROMPT-CARD>

I used the Plantix app and it identified what appears to be northern corn leaf blight on my V10 stage corn. The confidence score was 85%. The weather forecast is for warm, humid conditions for the next 7 days. Using only information from university extension sources, create a 3-step action plan. 1. **Verification:** What specific lesion characteristics should I look for on the leaf to confirm this is NCLB and not another look-alike disease like Goss's wilt? 2. **Threshold:** What is the economic threshold for a fungicide application for NCLB at this growth stage in a susceptible hybrid? 3. **Treatment:** If a fungicide is warranted, list two recommended fungicide groups (active ingredients) that are effective against NCLB." </PROMPT-CARD>

I have patches of waterhemp in my soybean field in central Missouri that survived a post-emergence application of glyphosate. I suspect it is glyphosate-resistant. The soybeans are at the R1 stage. Act as a weed scientist from the University of Missouri Extension. 1. What is the best way to confirm resistance? 2. What are my immediate rescue options for controlling these escapes at this stage of the season? List two different effective herbicide sites of action. 3. Outline a 3-year management plan for this field to prevent the problem from getting worse, focusing on crop rotation, tillage, and using multiple effective sites of action." </PROMPT-CARD>

I need to decide on a fungicide for my R3 soybeans to control frogeye leaf spot. I'm choosing between Product X (a strobilurin/triazole premix) costing $22/acre and Product Y (a newer SDHI/triazole premix) costing $28/acre. Compare these two products. Create a table that includes: - Efficacy rating against frogeye leaf spot (Excellent, Very Good, Good). - Efficacy against other key diseases like Septoria brown spot. - Reported plant health benefits (e.g., greening effect). - Resistance risk considerations. Based on this, calculate the break-even yield increase needed to justify the extra $6/acre cost of Product Y, assuming a soybean price of $11.50/bushel." </PROMPT-CARD>

I sprayed my alfalfa for potato leafhoppers 5 days ago with a pyrethroid insecticide. Today, the economic threshold is still exceeded. The temperature was 95°F on the day of application, and it rained lightly 8 hours after spraying. List the top 3 most likely reasons the application failed, in order of probability. For each reason, explain the mechanism of failure (e.g., heat degradation, rain wash-off, resistance) and what I should do differently for the next application." </PROMPT-CARD>

Generate a scouting calendar for corn in southeastern Nebraska. The calendar should be a table with three columns: Growth Stage (e.g., V5, VT, R3), Target Pests/Diseases, and Key Scouting Signs. Include at least 5 key growth stages and the 2-3 most critical pests or diseases to look for at each stage. For example, at V5, one target might be black cutworm and the sign would be cut plants." </PROMPT-CARD>

I have a soil test report from a field in Iowa. The results are: - Soil pH: 5.8 - Phosphorus (Bray P1): 12 ppm (Low) - Potassium (Ammonium Acetate): 110 ppm (Medium) - Organic Matter: 3.5% My yield goal for corn is 220 bu/acre and for soybeans is 65 bu/acre. Using the tri-state fertilizer recommendations (from Ohio State, Purdue, and Michigan State) as a guide, calculate the recommended application rates (lbs/acre) of P2O5, K2O, and lime needed to raise the pH to 6.5 for a 2-year corn/soybean rotation. Present the final recommendation in a simple table." </PROMPT-CARD>

My soybeans at the V4 stage are showing yellowing on the newest, uppermost leaves. The rest of the plant is green. The field was waterlogged for several days last week. Based on the location of the symptom (new growth), what are the top 2 most likely nutrient deficiencies? For each, explain why it fits the symptoms. Also, list one disease or herbicide injury that could be a look-alike, and how I could differentiate it from a nutrient issue." </PROMPT-CARD>

I have a laboratory analysis of my liquid swine manure. The key values are: - Total Nitrogen: 45 lbs/1000 gal - P2O5: 30 lbs/1000 gal - K2O: 35 lbs/1000 gal I plan to apply this manure to a field that will be planted to corn with a yield goal of 200 bu/acre. The field's soil test shows phosphorus levels are already in the optimal range. My primary goal is to meet the corn crop's nitrogen requirement without over-applying phosphorus. Calculate the manure application rate (gallons/acre) based on the nitrogen needs of the corn crop. Then, calculate how much P2O5 and K2O will be applied at that rate. Finally, advise on whether I will need supplemental commercial fertilizer and what the environmental risks are." </PROMPT-CARD>

I have a BeCrop soil test report. It gives me a 'Fungal to Bacterial Ratio' of 0.3 (low), a 'Carbon Sequestration' score of 4/10, and a 'Nitrification' pathway functionality of 8/10. Explain in simple terms what each of these three metrics means for my farm. For each metric, suggest one practical management change I could make to improve it. For example, if the F:B ratio is low, what could I do?" </PROMPT-CARD>

Act as an irrigation specialist. My corn crop in central Kansas is at the VT (tasseling) growth stage, which is the peak water use period. The average daily evapotranspiration (ET) rate for this week is 0.35 inches/day. My soil is a silt loam that can hold 2.0 inches of plant-available water per foot. The root zone is 3 feet deep. My irrigation system applies 1 inch of water per pass. I start with a full soil profile. Create a 7-day irrigation schedule in a table. The columns should be Day, Crop Water Use (inches), Soil Water Deficit (inches), and 'Irrigate? (Yes/No)'. Assume no rainfall. I want to irrigate when the soil water deficit reaches 1 inch." </PROMPT-CARD>

My center pivot irrigation system has a section of 3 towers that are lagging behind the rest of the system, causing it to trigger the safety stop. Create a troubleshooting checklist to diagnose the problem. Start with the simplest and most common issues first. The list should include at least 5 distinct checks, covering potential electrical, mechanical, and tire issues." </PROMPT-CARD>

I farm high-value vegetables (tomatoes, peppers) on a 40-acre field in California's Central Valley. The field is currently furrow-irrigated. I am considering converting to subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) to improve water use efficiency. Summarize the main pros and cons of this conversion. Create a table with two columns: 'Benefits' and 'Costs/Challenges'. Include at least 4 points in each column. For benefits, include water savings and yield potential. For costs, include initial investment, maintenance complexity, and potential issues with germination." </PROMPT-CARD>

My region is entering a moderate drought. I have a limited water allocation for my corn and soybean fields. Generate a list of 5 water conservation strategies I can implement immediately or in the near future. For each strategy, provide a brief explanation of how it saves water. The list should include both in-season tactics and longer-term soil management practices." </PROMPT-CARD>

Act as a grain marketing advisor. It is July, and my corn crop looks excellent. The local elevator is offering a forward contract for December delivery at $4.75/bushel. The current December futures price is $4.90/bushel, implying a basis of -15 cents. Analyze the decision to forward contract 25% of my expected production now. What is the primary risk I am mitigating? What is the primary opportunity I am giving up? List two other marketing tools (e.g., options, HTA contracts) I could use to achieve a similar price floor while retaining more upside potential." </PROMPT-CARD>

I am providing the text from the summary of today's USDA World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report. [[Paste the summary text of the WASDE report here]] Read the text and provide a bullet-point summary of the 3 most important changes for U.S. corn and the 3 most important changes for U.S. soybeans. For each point, state whether the change is bullish (price positive), bearish (price negative), or neutral." </PROMPT-CARD>

Analyze the typical corn basis pattern for a farm located near Decatur, Illinois. Search for historical basis data for that region. Describe how the basis for corn typically behaves from harvest (October) through the following summer (July). When is the basis typically weakest? When does it typically strengthen? What are the main logistical or market factors that drive this seasonal pattern?" </PROMPT-CARD>

Create a pre-season maintenance checklist for a John Deere S780 combine before soybean harvest. The checklist should be organized into logical sections (e.g., Header, Feeder House, Threshing/Separating, Cab/Electronics, Engine). Include at least 15 specific inspection points. For 3 of the most critical points, briefly explain *why* it's important (e.g., 'Check rotor belts for cracks - a broken belt is a major source of downtime')." </PROMPT-CARD>

My Case IH planter is showing error code 'PDM 1234'. What does this code mean? Provide a step-by-step troubleshooting guide, starting with the most likely and easiest-to-fix causes. Include at least 3 steps." </PROMPT-CARD>

I need to replace my main tractor. I am deciding between buying a new 250-hp tractor for $350,000 or a 5-year-old model with 2,000 hours for $220,000. Create a 5-year total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis. Make reasonable assumptions for the following variables for both the new and used options: - Annual depreciation - Financing costs (assume a 7% interest rate) - Annual repair and maintenance costs (as a % of purchase price, higher for used) - Fuel efficiency differences - Warranty coverage Present the comparison in a table and conclude with a summary of the key non-financial factors to consider (e.g., reliability, technology, operator comfort)." </PROMPT-CARD>

Your BeCrop report shows low biological phosphorus (P) solubilization. Use this prompt with a large language model like ChatGPT to brainstorm solutions. > "Act as an expert regenerative agronomist. My BeCrop soil analysis report for a field of organic tomatoes indicates 'Low' biological phosphorus solubilization function, despite having adequate P levels in my chemical soil test. > > 1. In simple terms, what does this mean? > 2. List five specific, actionable strategies to increase phosphorus availability for my tomato crop using biological methods. For each strategy, name the type of product to look for (e.g., microbial inoculant, specific cover crop species). > 3. For each of the five strategies, describe the mechanism by which it improves P solubilization. > 4. Draft a simple 3-year plan for this field to improve the P-cycle biology, assuming a corn-soy-tomato rotation.

Act as a certified crop advisor specializing in soil biology. I have a BeCrop report for my cornfield. The report shows low functionality for Nitrogen Fixation but high functionality for Phosphorus Solubilization. My conventional soil test shows adequate N and high P levels. 1. Explain the contradiction between the BeCrop and chemical test for Nitrogen. 2. What specific biological amendment or cover crop species would you recommend to boost the nitrogen-fixing microbial community? 3. Given the high P on the chemical test and high solubilization function, should I reduce my MAP fertilizer application this season? Provide a percentage reduction recommendation.

You are an experienced agronomist specializing in soil fertility for corn and soybeans in the US Midwest. I have a soil report from [[Tool Name, e.g., BeCrop or Trace Genomics]] for a field named "North 40." Here is the key data: - **Field History:** Continuous corn for 3 years. - **Yield Goal:** 220 bu/ac corn. - **BeCrop Data:** Low nutrient mobilization score for Phosphorus (P). High risk score for Fusarium. - **Standard Chemical Test:** pH 6.2, P (Bray) 15 ppm (Medium), K 120 ppm (Low). Based *only* on this information and restricting your knowledge to recommendations from US land-grant university extension programs, provide a 3-point action plan for this field for the upcoming season. For each point, explain your reasoning.