Choosing the Right Crop Consultant Can Pay Big Dividends

Experts say evaluating your own strengths and weaknesses is key to finding the right consultant to complement your farming operation.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 5:25am

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a carefully arranged composition of premium farming tools and equipment, including a soil sample container, a pair of pruning shears, and a tablet displaying crop data, all placed on a clean, monochromatic seamless background and using sharp, dramatic studio lighting to represent the abstract concepts of precision, data-driven decision making, and the importance of expert guidance in modern agriculture.A thoughtfully curated selection of tools and data points highlights the value of expert crop consulting in optimizing modern farming practices.Plainfield Today

Choosing the right crop consultant is crucial for farmers looking to make informed decisions about herbicides, equipment, and return on investment. Ryan Eby, an experienced consultant, advises farmers to first evaluate their own strengths and weaknesses, then find a consultant who can complement those areas. Eby says a good consultant should be viewed as an extension of the farmer's no-till team, helping to improve overall efficiencies. The article emphasizes the importance of finding the right fit, whether that means working with one specialist or a team of consultants.

Why it matters

Crop consultants can provide valuable guidance to farmers, but the wrong consultant can lead to costly mistakes. By carefully vetting consultants and finding the right fit, farmers can maximize their return on investment and improve the overall performance of their no-till operation.

The details

Ryan Eby, a consultant based in Plainfield, Illinois, recommends that farmers first evaluate their own strengths and weaknesses before choosing a consultant. This allows them to identify the areas where they need the most support and find a consultant who can complement those needs. Eby says a good consultant should be viewed as an extension of the farmer's no-till team, helping to improve efficiencies in areas like herbicide selection, equipment modifications, and return on investment analysis.

  • The article was published on April 18, 2026.

The players

Ryan Eby

An experienced crop consultant who runs his own consulting business and has worked for a major implement manufacturer, helping growers make informed decisions about their farming operations.

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What they’re saying

“You need to conduct an evaluation of yourself. You have to be willing to open yourself up and see which areas you are strong in and which areas you are weak in.”

— Ryan Eby, Crop Consultant

“After you've determined your weak areas, take a look at those and decide which ones, if made strong, will give you the most return on your investment.”

— Ryan Eby, Crop Consultant

What’s next

Farmers should schedule consultations with potential crop consultants to evaluate their expertise and determine if they are a good fit for the farmer's specific needs.

The takeaway

Choosing the right crop consultant is crucial for farmers looking to improve the efficiency and profitability of their no-till operations. By carefully evaluating their own strengths and weaknesses and finding a consultant who can complement those areas, farmers can maximize their return on investment and make more informed decisions about their farming practices.