Aside from a few specific instances, seed treatments for small grains are much like life insurance; they pay only when disaster strikes during the very early stages of the crop, according to the University of Minnesota. 

Despite technological advances, weather factors still play a major role in crop production, especially precipitation. The current U.S. Drought Monitor shows more than two-thirds of South Dakota under abnormally dry to severe drought conditions. If this pattern continues, cropping decisions may need to be adjusted for upcoming growing season.