You've got a lot to think about. Which herbicide to use? Which equipment modifications should you try next year? And you still need to determine if your return on investment is worth your efforts.

Ryan Eby knows what you’re going through. While running his own consulting business and working for one of the biggest implement manufacturers in the country, his job has always been to help growers make sound, informed decisions about purchases and management practices.

Eby, while believing in the strong role of a consultant, says there are a number of critical factors that need to be considered before choosing a consultant.

After all, a little bit of bad advice can hurt you financially for years.

Where to start?

“It begins with you,” the Plainfield, Ill., consultant explains. “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.

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

Welcome Aboard

Your consultant, Eby says, is a member of your extended no-till team, and by choosing someone who compliments your strengths and weaknesses, you greatly strengthen efficiencies.

Perhaps there are a couple of areas in which you’re not completely comfortable. If so, you might want to investigate hiring two or more consultants who specialize in different fields.

“There’s nothing…