Posted August 5, 2025 | By Todd Legge, Territory Manager – Nutrien Ag Solutions

For growers, it seems like every other day, there is a new financial topic in the news impacting the agriculture industry. While you’re used to riding the ups and downs of the market, the current times seem a bit more challenging than usual.

In this blog, Todd Legge, Territory Manager with Nutrien Financial™, shares how growers can stay ahead in the current market. Keep reading to fi nd out what he has to say!

Focus on what you can control.

As the new guy on the team, it’s my turn to share some insights on how farmers might carve out a win (even a small one) in what continues to be a tough market.

With so many things out of our control right now, it’s best to focus on what you can control. Here are a few of the most common questions we’re currently hearing, with answers to help you ride the waves.

Should you explore alternative financing to preserve cash?

Keeping cash available can be a good way to prepare for emergencies and avoid disruptions that can impact productivity. Having some cash on hand can also help you manage when your income fluctuates.

To protect your cash flow, evaluating your capital sources and ensuring you have a healthy mix is essential. Relying solely on your operating line could put you at risk if it’s maxed out and no other funds are available. Similarly, overusing credit cards can lead to high-interest debt and financial strain. Diversifying your capital sources helps reduce this risk and ensure you’re not putting all your eggs in one basket. If you typically depend on your operating line to manage farm cash flow, now might be a good time to explore alternative financing options, such as the input financing programs offered by Nutrien Financial.

How can diversifying capital sources benefit your farm?

After the one-two punch growers have taken from the markets in recent years, we understand that holding onto cash (or having reserves to draw from) isn’t always realistic. That’s why it can be smart to explore new sources of capital.

So, where do you start? There are a lot of options.

For example, if you generally rely on bank loans, consider adding another form of financing to the mix. Retail financing can offer more flexible terms, like input financing that lets you pay after harvest, or equipment loans structured around the life of your machinery.

If you’re interested in alternative forms of financing, Nutrien Financial can be the source for your input needs, while other retailers might be an option for equipment or supplies. You might also qualify for government lending programs, including grants or subsidies for specific needs.

Look at all your options and decide what’s best for you! Log in to your Nutrien HUB account to explore all current local input financing offers from Nutrien Financial in the financing catalogue.

Why should you prioritize staying current on your loans?

Now is the time to focus on the basics, like keeping your credit in check and ensuring you don’t miss a payment. Lenders look at your overall credit history, so you want to keep your credit clean and avoid overextending yourself.

Check your credit report regularly to ensure there are no mistakes or inconsistencies. If you think you may miss a payment, contact your lender as soon as possible and work with them to come up with a plan. Otherwise, if a payment is missed, your credit score could be impacted, leading to higher future borrowing rates and possibly an inability to secure financing in the future.

Many lenders have online portals that can be used to send reminders when payments are due or to set up automatic payments to help you avoid missing a payment. Try one out to stay on track!

How can growers avoid pitfalls in financing offers?

One thing I’ve quickly come to appreciate since joining Nutrien Financial is how much growers value financing transparency. I’ve heard from many of you that seeing all available programs and full terms and conditions allows you to evaluate your options without feeling rushed at the point of purchase. I’ve come to respect that level of clarity and commitment in how we do business.

It also helps to be clear about what you’re financing. If it’s inputs, do the payment terms align with your harvest? If it’s equipment, will the machine’s useful life be equal to or greater than the loan term? Knowing what you need (and when you’ll need to pay) can help you choose financing that supports your goals, not complicate them.

How can early planning help farmers reduce interest costs?

As farmers, we’re always looking for ways to do more with less and in today’s market, making every dollar count is more important than ever. One of the best ways to stay efficient is by working closely with your crop consultant and financial team to build a budget that balances input costs with yield potential.

One line item that often gets overlooked? Interest. It can quietly eat into your margins if you’re not paying attention. Look at your current financing contracts to see exactly how much you’re paying in interest and what happens if you miss a due date tied to an incentive rate. Once you know where you stand, you can start looking for financing options on your Nutrien HUB account that offer lower rates, special offers and repayment terms that better align with when your crop revenue comes in. Having that visibility upfront helps you make smarter decisions about when to buy your inputs and what your interest costs will look like.

Where can farmers find support to improve their farm management?

Farmers have a wealth of resources available to help with their business needs, and tapping into these can make a big difference. In addition to your local Nutrien Ag Solutions® crop and financial experts, local cooperative extension services, often linked with state universities, offer practical advice, training and personalized support on everything from financial planning to crop management. State departments of agriculture provide grants, loans and educational programs that can help with marketing and regulatory issues. Local USDA offices are also a great resource, offering financial assistance, technical support and business planning help through various programs.

By taking advantage of these resources, you can improve your operations, manage risks better and ensure your farm thrives for the long haul.

Ready to take control?

The only thing certain about the market we’re in right now is uncertainty, but that doesn’t mean you have no control. If you’re considering expanding your financial strategy, log in or sign up for the Nutrien HUB. Even if the road feels steep, remember you’re not walking it alone. Our team at Nutrien Financial is here to work with you and support you every step of the way.