New Voices, New Leadership, and Policy Uncertainty Shape the Ag Retail Conversation
Amy Asmus, co-owner of Asmus Farm Supply in Iowa and a longtime industry advocate, recently joined CropLife Retail Week as a new regular co-host, bringing firsthand retail experience and deep policy engagement to the weekly discussion of ag retail news.
Asmus represents the second generation of leadership at Asmus Farm Supply, with a third generation beginning to enter the business. Her background spans external relations, industry advocacy, and service on multiple advisory boards, including with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). That perspective was front and center in her debut episode, which tackled major leadership changes at Nutrien, the uncertain future of dicamba, and the ongoing fight for year-round E15.
“I’ve worked very closely with the Certified Crop Advisor program, extension programs, and the Agricultural Retailers Association,” Asmus said. “I’ve also spent a lot of time in Washington, D.C., working on industry issues. This gives me a way to share that passion for the industry that I’ve had all along.”
Watching Nutrien’s Next Move
One of the biggest headlines discussed during the episode was Nutrien’s appointment of Chris Reynolds as Head of Global Sales. For ag retailers, particularly those who partner with Nutrien on the wholesale side, leadership shifts at major suppliers can signal broader strategic changes.
“It’s a pretty exciting announcement for Nutrien,” Asmus said. “They’ve had the same operational and sales leadership for quite some time. Nutrien is an excellent partner for us, and we do a lot with Nutrien Wholesale.”
However, she noted that independent retailers will be watching closely to see how Nutrien’s strategy unfolds in practice.
“What we’re really looking forward to — or at least watching for — is how that roadmap moves from intentions to reality,” she said. “Third-party retailers who work with Nutrien want to understand whether this strategy supports wholesale partners outside the Nutrien retail footprint as well.”
Dicamba’s Uncertain Path Forward
Regulatory uncertainty was another dominant theme, particularly surrounding dicamba. After losing registration in 2024 and sitting out the 2025 growing season, dicamba’s potential return remains a major question mark for retailers and growers planning weed management programs.
“Knowing what the EPA is going to do always falls into the ‘don’t know what I don’t know’ category,” Asmus said. “The rumors we’ve heard suggest dicamba could be approved for over-the-top use in the 2026 spray season, but under much stricter conditions.”
Those conditions could include temperature restrictions, mandatory drift and volatility reduction agents, expanded buffers, and limits on application frequency and rates. Even if federal approval comes through, Asmus emphasized that state-level rules could further complicate implementation.
“For retailers serving multiple states, it gets difficult fast,” she said. “You can have one cropping system that’s allowed in one state and restricted just a few miles away across a political boundary.”
Engagement Beyond the Farm Gate
Asmus also highlighted opportunities for industry professionals to engage directly with regulators. She pointed to the EPA’s open call for nominations to the Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Advisory Committee as a chance for ag voices to be heard.
“It’s a very interesting experience, and I think everyone who wants to have a say in the EPA should try to get involved,” she said. “This committee deals with a wide range of environmental issues and policies that directly affect rural America.”
The episode also addressed the ongoing debate over year-round E15. While Congress has yet to enact a permanent nationwide solution, Asmus underscored the importance of continued advocacy.
“E15 is a big benefit for our growers and for consumers,” she said. “It increases corn demand and can save drivers money at the pump. Even without a national designation, there are still pathways through state waivers to make progress—but it’s a continuing battle.”
Asmus’ addition as co-host brings a retailer-first lens to CropLife Retail Week, pairing policy insight with practical realities from the field.
“Our viewers are the people we’re reporting the news for,” she said. “If there are topics you want us to touch on, send them in. Get involved.”
Watch the full episode of CropLife Retail Week to hear the complete discussion and stay up to date on the issues shaping ag retail.
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