Harvest is running full throttle across Iowa, and while combines are rolling, many farmers are already thinking ahead to what comes next. Rising input costs and shrinking profit margins mean every decision matters more than ever. As planning for 2026 begins to take shape, soil health could be the most important factor in shaping success. Taking a closer look now may reveal opportunities to cut costs, improve efficiency, and get more value out of every acre.
Jake Walker, Director of Marketing at Loveland Products, Inc., believes that the soil itself is the smartest place to begin planning for the year ahead. He explains that a detailed soil analysis offers farmers the clearest picture of what inputs are truly necessary and what expenses can be avoided in order to set up next year’s crop for success. With Nutrien’s broad capabilities and local crop consultants guiding the process, Walker says growers can start with accurate soil tests and use that knowledge to match the right solutions to their fields, ensuring every dollar invested delivers maximum value.
Walker notes that many farmers are talking about getting back to the basics of farming, but he cautions that doing so without a clear understanding of soil health could make it difficult to achieve the results they want. He stresses that while traditional practices remain important, pairing them with complementary tools in plant nutrition can help ensure farmers get the most from their basic inputs. The goal, he explains, is to maximize yield potential while making sure every decision is backed by a solid understanding of what the soil can and cannot provide.
He adds that Nutrien is in a unique position to support farmers from the ground up because everything begins with a soil test. That initial step identifies what the plant will need for strong early growth and sets the stage for the right nutrition plan. From there, Walker explains, farmers can take advantage of a range of tools that work alongside basic inputs to strengthen soil health, improve the soil biome, and build a better soil structure that will continue to pay dividends well into the growing season.
As harvest moves forward, Walker says the message is clear. A strong focus on soil health today can set the stage for smarter decisions, stronger crops, and greater success in 2026.
