FARGO (AP) - Record-high prices for crops are giving farmers more economic incentive this spring to use chemicals that fight weeds, insects and crop disease.

"Producers will no longer be reluctant to apply relatively costly pesticides," said Andrew Thostenson, pesticide program specialist with the North Dakota State University Extension Service.

In the past, the value of the crops saved by pesticides often did not justify the cost of buying and applying them. For many crops, especially wheat, that no longer is the case.

Al Holleman with Agassiz Seed and Supply in West Fargo, who serves as president of the North Dakota Agricultural Association trade group, estimated that the price of most pesticides has risen 5 percent or less from a year ago. That pales in comparison to the dramatic increases seen in many crop prices.

North Dakota farmers are just starting to get into the fields. Weather and crop conditions can vary greatly from one year to the next, making it impossible to predict what chemicals might be in high demand this growing season, said Joe Killoran with Maple Valley Ag in Tower City.

Thostenson's advice for farmers is to recognize that custom applicators might be very busy this year, and to plan ahead. He said farmers also should be wary of questionable chemical application operations.

Thostenson said applicators should be careful not to promise too much to potential customers and should consider turning down jobs that involve too much risk or give people unrealistic expectations.

"Producers and custom applicators will be under intense pressure, which could lead to short tempers," he said. "Be mindful of this and exercise extreme prudence when interacting with people."