CropLife Retail Week: ARA Annual Meeting Preview: 2026 Outlook, AI, and Biologicals

In this episode of CropLife Retail Week, Eric Sfiligoj sits down with Amy Asmus from Asmus Farm Supply to preview the upcoming ARA Annual Meeting and reflect on key wins, ongoing challenges, and what’s ahead for ag retail.

Can’t see the video? To view it, please accept cookies by clicking the icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen, or click here.
♦ Subscribe to CropLife Retail Week’s Youtube Channel

*Below is a partial and edited transcript:

Eric Sfiligoj

Hello, and welcome to another edition of CropLife Retail Week. I’m Eric Sfiligoj, editor of CropLife. I’m here with a special guest, our good friend Amy Asmus from Asmus Farm Supply. Amy, how are you? And welcome back.

Amy Asmus

I am doing great. We’re getting ready for the holiday weekend and then, of course, the big week after that. So yes—doing good.

Eric

That’s part of why you’re here: to talk about the week after the big holiday weekend. The last time you joined us was during the 2025 Tech Hub LIVE event. But now we’re here to talk about something more forward-looking—the Agricultural Retailers Association annual meeting and conference.

For those who may not know, Amy is the acting chairperson for ARA. So Amy, as we get ready for this year’s meeting, I wanted to reflect on your time as chairperson. What accomplishment are you most proud of during your tenure, and why?

Amy

One of the things I’m most proud of is related to our emergency fund. We had a great group overseeing and investing it, and it kept growing until it became much larger than we needed for emergencies. At the same time, there were discussions about raising dues—which I am absolutely against because I think they’re already fairly high. Raising them could make it harder to attract members.

I wasn’t on the investment committee, so I probably annoyed a few people, but I reviewed what we actually needed in the emergency fund and helped set up a policy to use the excess funds for member benefits or programs that support ARA members.

Since changing that format, we’ve created several programs that boost membership and add value. It’s a great use of our members’ money and a responsible way to maintain an emergency fund while using the proceeds to help ARA grow.

Eric

That’s great. Having a surplus to work with is never a bad thing—especially these days. And you still have plenty for emergencies, so you’re in good shape.

Now let’s flip the question. As you prepare to conclude your time as chairperson, what’s one thing you hoped to accomplish but couldn’t? And why should those in ag retail keep an eye on that issue going forward?

Amy

The Ag Retailers Association advocates, influences, and educates our members. Advocacy happens every day—we respond to issues as they come and do the best we can. Education is strong as well. We’ve collaborated with many groups to bring valuable training to retailers and consultants.

But the most disappointing thing for me is our membership numbers. As administrations change, so does the perceived need for ARA. When companies cut costs, they often belong to several associations, and ARA sometimes gets cut because people assume they’ll benefit from our advocacy whether they’re members or not.

I haven’t been able to grow membership the way I hoped, or fully demonstrate our value to non-members. All I can say is: join ARA. It’s a great group of people. My career has been shaped by the mentors, colleagues, and relationships I’ve developed through ARA. Those connections are priceless. It’s hard to articulate how valuable that network is—not just for policy outcomes but for your business and personal development.

Eric

Very good. And I know you’ve mentioned how people in your life have influenced you. During your acceptance speech as chairperson, you talked about your grandmother’s influence. I suspect we’ll be hearing about another relative in your concluding speech at this year’s meeting.

There’s also a very capable person coming in as the next chairperson—Dave Spears, formerly with Mid Kansas Co-op. What advice would you give Dave as he moves into the chair role?

Amy

Do what you think is right. I’ve been on many boards, and I’ve always found that the right person becomes chair at the right time. Leaders need to remember they were chosen because people trust and admire them. Whatever comes before the board, just do what you believe is right.

Eric

We’ll be hearing from you and Dave at the meeting in Salt Lake City in about a week.

Changing topics slightly: Asmus Farm Supply is one of the largest independent retailers in the country, based in Rake, Iowa. And for listeners—if you’re ever in Rake, stop by. It’s a great facility, and now there’s even a paved road!

This is the time of year when I’m putting together our annual CropLife 100 report. Retailers have been surprisingly positive about 2026. Amy, what opportunities do you see in the marketplace as we head into 2026?

Amy

There are quite a few. Ag retail won’t look the same in 5 to 8 years. We have to evaluate emerging technologies—automation, AI, decision-support tools—and help growers integrate them.

Biologicals are another opportunity. They’ve been around forever, but now they’re part of a new frontier. We need better information on how and when they work. Retailers and manufacturers who embrace education will succeed.

We’ve never had this many options for redefining retail. You can keep doing things the old way, but you may not be in business in a few years. Or you can embrace the new frontier—educate yourself, your growers, and your partners—and shape the future of retail.

Eric

“Uncharted frontier”—I think your friend Darren Coppock may already be writing that down as a theme for a future ARA event.

Amy

Well, I’m also a Trekkie. Live long and prosper!