In a world of skyrocketing input prices for farming, we often sacrifice basic agronomic principles for flashier promises of quick or cheaper returns.  Two recent stories from Morgan County forage producers highlight how simple tests saved them thousands of dollars.  One hay farmer tested his soil for the first time – his results concluded that no amendments were needed.  When asked how he normally fertilized his 35 acres, he replied that 1 ton of 19-19-19 was spread each year per acre.  At the current price of $449 per ton, he saved $15,715.  He commented that the $7 he paid for a soil sample was “the best investment he had ever made!”  Another young farmer was quite proud to show his records to his father of how much money they had saved since he began soil sampling their farms five years ago. He estimated a savings of over $70,000.  Small steps can result in great savings!