Farmers heading into the next growing season are facing a familiar challenge. Input costs remain elevated, margins are tight, and uncertainty in the broader economy continues to weigh on nearly every decision made on the farm. In an environment like this, agronomists say the focus has to return to fundamentals and to the inputs farmers can still control.
Mike Howell, senior agronomist with Nutrien, says those economic pressures are front and center in conversations he is having with growers across the country.
From Howell’s perspective, one of the most important steps farmers can take in a tight year is to slow down and gather accurate information before making fertility decisions. That starts with soil testing.
He cautions, however, that cutting back without knowing what nutrients are already available can quickly turn into a yield-limiting mistake.
Howell says nutrient levels that have been drawn down over time can quietly limit yield potential, especially when crops are already under stress from weather or other factors. Making sure soils are properly balanced heading into the season helps protect yield rather than chasing it later.
Howell says in a year when farmers have little room for error, fertility decisions become even more critical. While growers cannot control global markets, the weather, or broader economic conditions, they can control how well their crop is fed. Taking the time to understand soil conditions and make targeted fertility decisions can help protect yield potential and position the crop for success heading into the next growing season.
For additional agronomic tools, research summaries, and calculators designed to help farmers evaluate fertility investments, Howell encourages growers to visit https://nutrien-ekonomics.com/
