[Crops 101] Introduction To Crops

Welcome to your introduction of crops in the Farming Simulator Academy! Today, we’re focusing on what crops are available in Farming Simulator and tell you some basics. We’ll show you step by step how to sow, handle and harvest the various crops in separate tutorials.

Grain Crops

Grain crops are generally the easiest to start with. The following grains are all harvested with the same harvester and grain header attached.

Root Crops

Root crops like potatoes and sugar beet are a bit more complex. You need special planters and harvesting equipment. Also, you need to plow the field every time before planting to get rid of the roots (instead of just cultivating). Storing root crops in silos is not possible, but you can store them on the ground, or in a shed, for example.

Vineyards & Orchards

Vineyards and orchards allow you to grow grapes and olives. They need to be created with the build mode, first. Then, you require special equipment to care for them, after you placed them on your fields.

Other Crops

How To Farm Crops

We will show you every step in detail in the respective tutorials, but the basics are easy:

• Basically, the soil needs to be loosened with a cultivator, first. Sometimes, plowing is required. The game will tell you in the field info box.
• Sometimes it needs to be limed to lower soil acidity. The game will tell you in the field info box. It will increase the yield.
• Of course you have to sow or plant your crops. Pay attention to the crop calendar if you are playing with seasonal growth.
• The field needs to be fertilized for a better nutrient supply. This increases the yield, too. You can fertilize up to two times (with a growth stage in between). If you fertilize with slurry or manure, you can activate double application rate to fertilize only once.
• After sowing, planting, and fertilizing, you need to get rid of weeds. Otherwise, you'll get a yield penalty. Use a mechanical weeder or hoe right away or a (more expensive) sprayer for matured weeds. 
• Harvest the crops before they wither. If you're playing with seasonal growth, you have to keep the crop calendar and seasons in mind.

Well Done!

Congratulations, you now know the most important facts about crops. Take your time and start on the next lesson, when you’re ready. Stay with the Farming Simulator Academy and you become a top-notch virtual farmer in no time!