Farm Bill Uncertainty, Atrazine Debate, and Emerging Weed Control Technologies Highlight Challenges Facing Ag Retail
June 3, 2026 During a recent episode of CropLife Retail Week, Amy Asmus, Co-Owner of Asmus Farm Supply and former chairperson of the Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA), discussed several major issues shaping the ag retail industry in 2026, including the latest Farm Bill developments, renewed scrutiny surrounding atrazine, and the rise of innovative weed management technologies.
Farm Bill Brings Wins — and Lingering Concerns
Asmus said the recently passed House version of the 2026 Farm Bill includes several positive provisions for retailers and growers, particularly around crop insurance reform, technical service provider improvements, and expanded access to ag credit.
“A lot of priorities made it into the bill, although some were cut out,” Asmus explained. “Crop insurance was a major component. We liked seeing stronger safety nets for farmers because they’re critical for grower planning and risk management.”
The legislation also included language defining biostimulants and expanded support for underserved and veteran producers through targeted crop insurance subsidies and broader specialty crop coverage.
Still, Asmus noted that several important retailer priorities did not survive the House process, including provisions tied to EPA authority, pesticide preemption, and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting requirements.
“Those provisions were important to retailers,” she said. “The House passing a Farm Bill is only the beginning. There’s still a long road ahead, and hopefully some of those concerns can be addressed in the Senate version and final legislation.”
Asmus emphasized that regulatory certainty remains one of the biggest concerns for ag retailers and growers alike, particularly as political tensions intensify during an election year.
“Growers and retailers still need regulatory certainty and access to scientifically reviewed crop protection tools to remain productive, competitive, and sustainable,” she said.
Atrazine Debate Reignites Regulatory Questions
Liability and regulatory pressure also remain front-and-center for crop protection manufacturers, particularly following renewed debate surrounding atrazine after the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified the herbicide as a probable carcinogen.
Atrazine has faced decades of scrutiny, but Asmus said the latest developments reinforce the importance of science-based regulatory oversight.
“Atrazine has been around for nearly 70 years and has faced challenges almost its entire life,” she said. “That’s why science-based decision-making at the EPA is so important.”
Asmus added that maintaining access to effective crop protection tools while supporting innovation will be critical moving forward.
Precision Weed Control Technologies Gain Momentum
One area where innovation is rapidly evolving is weed management technology. During the discussion, Asmus highlighted emerging precision weed control systems, including electrical “zapping” tools, laser technologies, robotics, and AI-driven targeted applications designed to combat herbicide resistance and reduce chemical usage.
“It’s interesting because we’re returning to mechanical weed control, but in a much more targeted and advanced way,” she said. “These innovations are important because herbicide resistance continues to grow.”
According to Asmus, future weed management systems will likely combine precision application technologies with alternative control methods that reduce environmental impact while maintaining efficacy.
“Innovation in weed and pest management has to become more creative,” she said. “Instead of only attacking existing tools, we should support innovation that uses less chemistry, incorporates biologicals, or introduces entirely new technologies.”
Asmus believes the industry’s future depends on balancing sustainability goals with practical, scalable solutions for growers.
“We still have to control pests,” she said. “We need to celebrate and support the people bringing forward solutions that could become viable tools for the future.”
Watch the Full Episode
To hear the full discussion featuring Amy Asmus and additional insights on the Farm Bill, atrazine, weather challenges, Corteva’s split, and emerging ag technologies, view the complete episode of CropLife Retail Week here.
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