Opportunity Amidst Turmoil: Lessons From a Quarter-Century in Ag Retail
October 22, 2025 
Editor’s Note: As we mark the first 25 years of the 21st century, CropLife reflects on the innovations, challenges, and transformations that have shaped ag retail — honoring our past while looking ahead to agriculture’s promising future. In this article, Agricultural Retailers Association President Daren Coppock shares insights on the industry’s evolution, hard-won lessons, and the opportunities that lie ahead.
When you spend a lot of time down in the weeds, it’s easy to forget how much the operations in the field have changed. Agriculture is always weathering some sort of challenge, but our industry is resilient, and I believe there will be opportunities amidst the turmoil. In fact, to me, that is one of the themes of the last 25 years.
Positive Changes
National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) data says average corn yields have increased by 38% in the last 25 years; soybeans by 41%; cotton by 32%, and wheat by 30%. Precision agriculture, nutrient stabilizers, new chemicals, and advanced equipment have revolutionized how crops are grown. Regenerative ag practices, biological products, 45Z credits, enhanced nutrient stewardship, and compliance with ESA-related requirements for pesticides are new opportunities. Retailers will be asked to sort the wheat from the chaff to deliver tested solutions to their growers.
The industry’s voice in Washington, DC, has continued to strengthen as the Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) has developed more relationships with legislators, Congressional staff, agency staff, and allies. That includes our decision to co-locate our office space with CropLife America and The Fertilizer Institute five years ago. Not only are each of the organizations saving money, but we’re able to collaborate much more efficiently and share a lot of resources.
Another milestone was the creation of ResponsibleAg in 2014. This industry-led voluntary program promotes safe handling and storage of agricultural inputs by assessing regulatory compliance. It was partly a proactive industry response to an unfortunate accident in 2013, but it was equally a stand-alone commitment to demonstrate a high standard of safety and responsibility.
Challenges
Political discourse has changed markedly over the last quarter century, and not for the better. In 2000, there were political leaders who were not afraid to reach across the aisle to find bipartisan solutions, and their constituents and party did not punish them in the next election for doing so. Unlike today, politicians then could disagree in a respectful manner and still have a drink after work.
Economic and regulatory pressures drive businesses to consolidate, and that has changed the makeup of our retailer members, their suppliers, and their customers. Each level of the industry now has fewer, larger players. And while the industry as a whole is generally more efficient because of those changes, I can’t help but feel that some of the character and entrepreneurial spirit is lost through consolidation. Fortunately, creative independents and co-ops continue to thrive alongside their larger brethren, proving that there’s room for everyone with a will to succeed.
Looking Ahead
The next 25 years will likely bring even faster transformation. Ag retail will embrace digital tools, automation, and artificial intelligence, reshaping how products are stored and delivered and how decisions are made.
Yet amid all this change, one constant will remain: The ag retailer’s commitment to serving growers with integrity, expertise, and care. By learning from the past and leaning into the future, the industry and ARA are well-positioned to navigate the next quarter century.
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