Right now, we’re seeing lower commodity prices, continued high inflation and weather-related challenges. These variables are part of agriculture’s natural rhythm, but they do not signal an unprecedented crisis. During this stage of the cycle, there are opportunities for those producers who prioritize strategic investments and forward-thinking.

John Maman, senior director, North America, at Nutrien Financial™ and Eric Snodgrass, senior science fellow at Nutrien Ag Solutions®, shared their thoughts on facilitating strategic growth during any market cycle.

Maximize Yield Potential

Not everything is predictable—but your choices are powerful. You have the power to shape your strategy by putting energy into the decisions you do control. Regularly balancing your budget, tracking progress and making investments that are grounded in sound agronomics are all actionable steps that can influence your bottom line. 

“You can control your decisions in this market to maximize things, not to minimize them,” says Snodgrass. There are various applications that require an upfront investment but can help maximize your yield, so your numbers at the end of the season are net positive.

One in-field example of something you can control is the timely application of value-added plant health products. These can boost yields and create greater profitability, even when cash flow is tight. The right financing solution can help bridge the gap. To find the right mix for your acres, connecting with a local agronomic advisor is invaluable.

“Making informed, profitable decisions on input needs for 2026 is one way to help maximize your yield,” says Maman. “Asking what went well, what could have gone better and what could be improved is a good place to start as you devise new agronomic and economic plans for 2026.”

These questions lay the foundation for smarter agronomic and economic planning. Timing may also open the door to favorable rates, terms and incentives for early season commitments, which can also drive additional value and savings.

Embrace Technology for Long-Term Success

Although weather events have caused some disruption this year, the industry is better equipped than ever to manage extremes. With improvements in the way people farm, crops have become more resilient.

“Some areas have seen pretty crazy weather. We’ve had flooding, we’ve had extreme heat, tornadoes and other extreme weather events,” says Snodgrass. “But the thing about the era we’re farming in now is we’ve gotten so good at farming, that we still have a crop, and that crop can still be huge. The losses from major weather events aren’t what they used to be because we’ve collectively advanced with our farming techniques.”

Embracing farming progress, including technology advances is something that can help farmers build long-term success and give growers a competitive edge.

“Growers that embrace the digital tools available to them will have the upper hand in this market,” says Maman. “The farmers who tend to be more resilient are also the ones who make the best use of technological advances.”

Technological tools that farmers use include GPS-guided equipment, variable rate technology (VRT), drones and more. Plus, there are platforms like the Nutrien HUB that help producers collaborate on crop plans with their agronomic advisors, stay on top of payment due dates, review invoices and statements and assess financing strategies. Nutrien HUB also provides weather conditions and other agronomic data that can help farmers make informed decisions.

“Everything that the farmer does is about the future success of something,” says Snodgrass. “They do all these things in the hopes that they get something out of it at the end.”

Reduce Risk Through Strategic Partnerships

Success isn’t just about what you know—it’s also about who you work with. Trusted partners can help you navigate crop and financial decisions, optimize efficiencies, and weather market volatility.

At Nutrien Financial, we’re optimistic because we see producers succeeding every day. We help growers improve agronomic practices, make smarter technology and financial decisions, and strengthen profitability and ROI.

“We’re as invested today as we ever have been in the outcome of this year’s crop and we see so much opportunity to finish this year strong by making sure we’re purposeful in understanding the impacts of weather and the economic levers we have in order to fill out yield before the end of this year,” says Maman. “Nutrien Financial is able to cash flow the application of timely products and that directly translates into bottom line profit for our customers.”

Of course, Nutrien Financial isn’t the only valuable partner a grower can have, there are lots of experts in the industry who can help in a variety of ways. And whatever the size of the operation, going at it alone means you aren’t taking full advantage of the resources available to you.

“Our business thrives on your success. We have resources for you—meteorologists, outstanding agronomists, chemists, soil scientists and smart people in finance,” says Snodgrass. “All of these people desire for you to be successful. We’re not playing against you. We’re relying on your success.”

Leaning into your circle of influence and the experts around you will set you up for the long run.

Position For Growth in Down Markets

When the market isn’t ideal, some farmers take a long-term view—similar to Warren Buffett’s investment philosophy. They make strategic decisions while costs are lower, aiming to position their operation for future growth rather than short-term gains.

“Farmers are still going to farm next year so the question is how can they put themselves in the best position to be one of the organizations that is successful, or even grows, during a downturn?”

“If there’s anything you want in ag, it’s to be able to strike when the iron’s hot and also minimize your downside risk,” says Snodgrass. “You’re trying to put yourself in a position to excel when others may not be.”

Success depends on your skill as a producer and your ability to engage in strategic, big-picture planning. A diversified capital management strategy can create financial flexibility that allows you to act on opportunities arise.

Nutrien Ag Solutions’ integrated approach that combines agronomy, weather intelligence, soil science and capital management can help position your operation for multi-generational success.