Partnerships Built for the Farm: 8 Ag Retail Deals Bringing Value to Growers
August 7, 2025 In today’s evolving ag retail environment, partnerships are no longer just beneficial — they’re essential. As customer expectations rise and operational challenges grow more complex, strategic collaborations have become a key lever for ag retailers — including many in the CropLife 100 — to expand their capabilities, streamline services, and bring cutting-edge technologies to the farm gate. Over the past two years, several partnerships have reshaped the landscape of ag retail, demonstrating the power of cooperation in meeting the needs of producers and building stronger value chains.
From digital financing tools to biological innovations and sustainability platforms, the following eight collaborations highlight how ag retailers and agtech leaders are working together to create win-win solutions. Each partnership offers a glimpse into how the industry is changing — and what’s possible when companies align vision, technology, and farmer-first values.
CHS Capital and AgVend Expand Access to Digital Financing Solutions
In July 2025, CHS Capital (a CHS subsidiary) and AgVend expanded their collaboration to integrate CHS Capital’s producer financing into AgVend’s digital platform. This move enables ag retailers to offer loan management and enrollment through a single branded interface.
“This offering demonstrates how CHS Capital is evolving to meet our customers where they are digitally and operationally,” said Steve Englund, senior director, CHS Capital.
The integration enhances transparency, simplifies loan tracking, and improves reporting — creating a unified experience for retailers and producers alike.
Landus and Talusag Launch Green Ammonia Corn Fertilization Trial
In April 2025, Landus and Talusag began a groundbreaking corn fertilization trial in Boone, IA, using green ammonia — a sustainable alternative to conventional anhydrous ammonia. The ammonia is locally produced using solar energy, water, and air.
“By producing fertilizer locally, we’re giving farmers more control and reducing exposure to supply disruptions,” said Sam Caton, Interim CEO at Landus.
This pilot marks the first U.S. corn crop grown with domestically made green ammonia, with a 20-ton-per-day facility already under construction to scale the model further.
Pivot Bio and Hefty Seed Partner for Retail Expansion of Biological Nitrogen
In December 2024, Pivot Bio and Hefty Seed Co. announced a retail partnership to bring PROVEN 40 and RETURN biological nitrogen products to all Hefty locations starting in 2025. The collaboration enhances Hefty’s crop input offerings with next-generation nitrogen solutions.
“We are excited to partner with Hefty’s expert advisors to bring farmers this patented technology,” said Chris Turner, CCO of Pivot Bio.
The partnership includes joint field support, personalized nitrogen planning, and access to sustainability programs such as Pivot Bio’s N-OVATOR.
BRANDT and K&N Efthymiadis Launch Joint Venture in Greece
In December 2024, BRANDT and K&N Efthymiadis formed KNE BRANDT, a joint venture to distribute BRANDT’s micronutrients and specialty crop nutrition products in Greece. The products are available for the 2025 planting season.
“By having this formal JV in place, we will be able to align our interests behind our commitment to satisfy and delight our farmer customers in Greece,” said Rick Brandt, BRANDT CEO.
The venture is headquartered in Thessaloniki and supported by a dedicated sales and support team to drive growth in the Greek ag market.
GROWMARK and Indigo Ag Partner on Biologicals and Sustainability Tech
In November 2024, GROWMARK and Indigo Ag announced a strategic partnership focused on Indigo’s biotrinsic biologicals and the new CLIPS application system. The agreement also expands collaboration on Indigo’s sustainability initiatives.
“Biological products have the potential to deliver valuable benefits for growers,” said Wade Mittelstadt, COO of GROWMARK. “Indigo’s CLIPS system addresses all of those hurdles.”
This multi-year partnership increases access to innovative inputs and strengthens carbon and sustainability data systems across the FS cooperative network.
Marion Ag Service and Columbia Seeds Form Supply & Marketing Consortium
In August 2024, Marion Ag Service and Columbia Seeds formed a supply and marketing consortium that combines Marion Ag’s fertilizer and soil amendment expertise with Columbia Seeds’ seed distribution network.
“Accessing the experience and collaboration of the Columbia Seeds team will further catalyze our mission,” said Jeff Freeman, Chief Strategy Officer, Marion Ag.
The partnership streamlines logistics, enhances inventory planning, and offers a broader agronomic portfolio through a unified customer service approach.
Eldon C. Stutsman Partners with Meristem Crop Performance
In February 2024, Eldon C. Stutsman, Inc. entered a dealership agreement with Meristem Crop Performance to bring its crop input lineup — including biologicals and micronutrients — to farmers across Iowa.
“Innovation and adaptation are core values for us,” said Mark Stutsman, COO. “Meristem helps us bring a new advantage to our farmer-customers.”
Stutsman now offers Meristem’s products like HOPPER THROTTLE and EXCAVATOR, allowing farmers to boost yields with science-backed, cost-efficient solutions.
GROWMARK and CHS Begin Exploratory Collaboration Process
In January 2024, GROWMARK and CHS launched a joint exploratory process to identify areas for deeper collaboration. The effort builds on their shared ownership of Cooperative Ventures and a history of joint initiatives.
“Our partnership with CHS in Cooperative Ventures is a great example of cooperation amongst cooperatives,” said Mark Orr, CEO of GROWMARK.
The process aims to align capabilities, serve members more effectively, and unlock long-term strategic value for both cooperatives and their farmer-owners.
These eight partnerships show how ag retailers and input providers are aligning their resources, innovations, and people to better serve farmers and strengthen the agriculture industry. Whether it’s digital financing, sustainable fertilizer, or biological advancements, collaboration is proving to be the cornerstone of modern ag retail success.
Subscribe Today For
