Field-Tested, Future-Ready: Inside the 2025 Innovation Wave in Ag Retail

Ag retailers are no longer just suppliers — they are driving innovation that reshapes modern farming. From predictive analytics to sustainable nutrient delivery, today’s retailers are investing in technologies and partnerships that improve grower profitability and resilience. Eight of the industry’s leading companies — Helena Agri-Enterprises, Landus Cooperative, Nutrien Ag Solutions, Wilbur-Ellis, GROWMARK, The Andersons, BRANDT, and CHS — recently announced advancements aimed at transforming how agronomic services are delivered.

From AI tools to biologicals and new research facilities, these announcements reflect a growing commitment to data-driven decision-making, sustainable practices, and scalable innovation. Here’s how each is innovating to meet the demands of the next generation of agriculture.

Helena Agri-Enterprises Inspires Future Leaders with Innovation in Action

In June 2025, Helena hosted FFA National Officers at its Memphis-based Helena Products Group Innovation Center. The visit showcased Helena’s R&D process, from formulation to product testing, and reinforced the company’s commitment to education.

“You’re going to go learn about our products, and at the end of the day, you are going to be knowledgeable,” said FFA Eastern Region VP Caroline Groth.

This outreach represents Helena’s broader goal of cultivating ag leaders who understand innovation firsthand. By exposing future professionals to the science and people behind its products, Helena continues investing in both agronomic advancement and industry leadership.

Landus Launches SkyScout to Bring AI-Powered Aerial Insights to Iowa Farms

In April 2025, Landus launched SkyScout, an AI-driven aerial scouting platform that delivers high-resolution images and predictive insights every 12 days. The tool identifies threats such as low emergence, disease, and nutrient deficiencies with 95% accuracy.

“SkyScout gives farmers an unprecedented advantage,” said interim CEO Sam Caton.

By reducing yield prediction variability by up to 50%, SkyScout helps farmers make informed, profitable decisions faster. Agronomy experts interpret the data and provide action plans, making this innovation both high-tech and farmer-friendly. SkyScout is now available to Iowa growers, helping them respond quickly and sustainably to in-season challenges.

Nutrien’s Champaign Innovation Farm Opens to Advance Whole-Acre Solutions

March 2025 marked the grand opening of Nutrien’s new facility at its Champaign, IL Innovation Farm. The site hosts a 16-person agronomy team and supports events, training, and full-acre field trials that integrate equipment, products, and precision technology.

“Our Innovation Farm Network runs off five essential components… but people are the most important,” said Thaddeus Bates, Senior Manager, Applied Agronomy.

With additional locations in California, Mississippi, and Kentucky, this network enables Nutrien to test and scale technologies that perform under real-world conditions. The new Champaign facility enhances research speed and credibility, benefiting growers across North America.

Wilbur-Ellis’ NUTRIO N-TUNE Delivers Season-Long Biological Nitrogen Supply

Wilbur-Ellis introduced NUTRIO N-TUNE in March 2025, a biological nitrogen product offering steady N availability throughout the growing season. Utilizing a hardy bacterium that converts atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, it delivers up to 0.5 pounds of N per day and boosts nutrient uptake.

“It’s spoon-feeding plants the nutrients they need for success,” said Robb Mohr, branded nutrition manager.

Compatible with most fertilizers and applicable across various stages, N-TUNE improves ROI while reducing environmental impact. Trials show increased yields in corn, soybeans, wheat, and cotton, proving this biological is more than just a supplement — it’s a game-changer in nutrient efficiency.

GROWMARK’s Strategic Partnership with Indigo Brings Biologicals and CLIPS System to Market

In November 2024, GROWMARK announced a strategic partnership with Indigo Ag, giving FS cooperatives access to Indigo’s biotrinsic biologicals and CLIPS powder seed coating system.

“CLIPS addresses stability, shelf-life, and application constraints,” said COO Wade Mittelstadt.

The alliance also expands GROWMARK’s role in carbon markets and 45Z data collection initiatives, positioning growers to monetize sustainability practices. With proven performance in over 2,000 field trials, Indigo’s products enhance crop resilience and productivity. This partnership exemplifies GROWMARK’s innovation-first mindset, delivering scalable solutions that support both agronomic performance and climate-smart farming practices across its broad member network.

The Andersons’ New Aero Line Boosts Drone-Ready Nutrient Efficiency

In October 2024, The Andersons launched Aero-Blitz and Aero-Mino, foliar fertilizers designed for drone and aerial application. These products offer low-use-rate, high-performance nutrition to maximize yield with minimal field disruption.

“This innovative solution empowers growers to deliver nutrients exactly where they are needed,” said VP Chuck Anderson.

Research trials showed corn treated with Aero-Blitz had more kernel rows, while Aero-Mino increased pod counts in soybeans. With micronutrient-rich and amino acid-enhanced formulas, these fertilizers are ideal for mid-season stress periods. This innovation makes drone applications more than a novelty — they’re now a precision tool for yield optimization.

BRANDT’s Discovery & Innovation Group Gains Global R&D Mandate

In May 2024, BRANDT restructured its Discovery & Innovation (D&I) unit to serve as a global R&D engine across North and South America and Europe. Led by Brian Haschemeyer, D&I now oversees product development, testing, and quality control globally.

“D&I is the lifeblood of our global organization,” said President & CEO Rick Brandt.

By consolidating oversight and aligning global teams, BRANDT ensures consistent product performance and faster innovation timelines. The restructuring empowers the company to identify, test, and scale breakthrough ideas no matter where they originate — positioning BRANDT as a leader in globally coordinated ag innovation.

CHS Opens High-Tech Research Center in Minnesota

In March 2024, CHS unveiled its new Crop Science Research and Development Center in Randolph, MN. The state-of-the-art facility supports rigorous testing of crop protection products, simulating up to four growing seasons per year across six environmental conditions.

“This research center will play a critical role in shaping the future of the CHS agronomic portfolio,” said Dean Hendrickson, VP of R&D.

Built with advanced light transmission and thermal control materials, the center complements CHS’s in-field trials and accelerates product vetting. The facility provides the data and confidence growers need when adopting new agronomic tools in today’s fast-evolving marketplace.