CropLife Retail Week: Why Ag Retailers Must Fight Back Plus a MAGIE 2026 Preview 

In this episode of Retail Week, CropLife Editor Eric Sfiligoj is joined by Nate Pearce, Acting Chairman of the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association (IFCA), to break down the wins for ag retailers in 2026 — including defeating the school pesticide application buffer bill and blocking the state-level ban on paraquat. Plus, get a sneak peek at the 45th Annual Midwest Ag Industries Exposition (MAGIE) coming to Bloomington, IL this August, featuring the latest high-tech drones and the Custom Applicator of the Year awards.

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*Below is a partial and edited transcript:

Eric Sfiligoj:
Hello, welcome to another edition of Retail Week. I’m Eric Sfiligoj, editor of CropLife and CropLife IRON. I’m here with a special guest, Nate Pearce from Gold Star FS. Nate, welcome to the program.

Nate Pearce:
Thank you for having me.

Eric Sfiligoj:
The reason we have you on this week is that you’re the acting chairman of the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association (IFCA). I know that group has been doing a lot at the statehouse in Springfield. Tell me about some of the priorities IFCA has had in 2026. What are some of the key pieces of legislation you’ve been promoting or fighting against, and what were the outcomes?

Nate Pearce:
There’s been a lot of fighting against legislation this session in Springfield. It’s wrapped up now, thank goodness.

We really battled two key bills affecting agriculture in Illinois. The first proposed requiring applicators to provide prior notice of an application if they were operating within a half-mile of a school or park.

We know how problematic that could be for anyone trying to make an application, given weather conditions and other variables. Fortunately, that bill was defeated. It took a lot of teamwork from IFCA and other ag groups to get that done.

The other major issue was preventing a state-level ban on paraquat. While we don’t use a lot of paraquat in Illinois overall, it’s more common in southern Illinois than where I am in the northwest part of the state. When products that remain legal at the federal level are banned at the state level, farmers will simply cross state lines to obtain the products they need. It creates chaos. We were happy to see that effort did not advance as well.

Those were the two biggest issues we tackled this year.

Eric Sfiligoj:
Having followed state association issues over the years, states often try to copy one another. Why is it important for ag retailers in other states to be vigilant about preventing these kinds of proposals from spreading, and how can they fight back?

Nate Pearce:
It starts with working with your state legislators and your associations like IFCA and staying involved. Make your voice heard. If we don’t engage legislators, it’s easy for them to pass these measures and move on.

Many of these proposals are presented with what seem like good intentions, such as protecting children near schools. Nobody wants to make an application that could impact a school. But those of us in ag retail already operate responsibly. These proposals create additional hurdles that make it more difficult to do our jobs without improving safety.

Eric Sfiligoj:
You mentioned paraquat. Another product that has been in the spotlight is glyphosate, particularly regarding the legal battle over state versus federal labeling requirements. The case is currently before the U.S. Supreme Court, and we’re expecting a decision soon. Have you been following that case, and what are you hearing from industry colleagues?

Nate Pearce:
I haven’t been following it closely because we’ve had a lot going on with IFCA issues. But it’s obviously important. If the ruling goes against the industry, it could have significant implications because glyphosate remains a critical product for many of us. It would certainly change the way we do business.

Eric Sfiligoj:
Another major issue we’ve been discussing is fertilizer supply and transportation, particularly with the conflict involving Iran and disruptions affecting shipping routes. How have Illinois growers been dealing with the situation, and are there steps retailers should be taking to manage risk?

Nate Pearce:
It depends on where you’re located and when fertilizer applications are typically made.

Here in northwest Illinois, we’re heavily focused on fall applications. By the time the recent conflict escalated and prices increased, most farmers in our area had already completed the majority of their applications, with perhaps only some sidedressing remaining.

Right now, we’re focused on positioning ourselves for the fall season after harvest. We’re a heavy fall nitrogen market, so we’re anxiously waiting to see where anhydrous ammonia pricing lands for fall application.

As for phosphates, I think elevated prices may be with us for a while due to market dynamics, tariffs, and the rising cost of sulfuric acid used in production. Those costs continue to increase.

Eric Sfiligoj:
What about micronutrients? They receive less attention, but are there challenges in that segment as well?

Nate Pearce:
It’s very product-specific. Fortunately, we had most of our supplies secured before these disruptions occurred. For post-application needs this summer, we’ve been able to obtain what we need.

The bigger question is what happens next season. Conditions can change very quickly. One day there’s concern about shortages, and the next day supply opens up again.

We all remember when a ship got stuck in the Suez Canal and everything came to a halt. That’s how quickly things can change. We try to maintain enough inventory to keep operating if disruptions occur, but you can’t afford to sit on excessive inventory either.

Eric Sfiligoj:
That’s true. Everyone remembers what happened in 2008 and 2009 with oversupply. That was a difficult situation.

We’re going to take a quick break and then come back to talk about summer trade show season.

Eric Sfiligoj:
We’re back with Nate Pearce, acting chairman of IFCA.

One event I’m particularly excited about is the Midwest Ag Industries Exposition, affectionately known as MAGIE, which takes place in late August in Bloomington, Illinois. Tell us what visitors can expect this year.

Nate Pearce:
If you’ve never attended MAGIE, it’s truly an experience. This is the 45th year of the show.

It’s a very hands-on event with more than 80 vendors. Attendees can ride and drive machinery, get up close to equipment, and participate in training opportunities.

We pride ourselves on showcasing cutting-edge technology. Many manufacturers use MAGIE to debut their latest innovations. Visitors can see the equipment firsthand and often climb into the cab and take it for a spin around the grounds.

Eric Sfiligoj:
One of my favorite parts is the ride-and-drive area. In recent years we’ve also seen drone manufacturers offering demonstrations. Will that continue to expand?

Nate Pearce:
Absolutely. The drone segment continues to grow, and the drones themselves keep getting larger and more capable. Drone demonstrations have become one of the most popular attractions at MAGIE.

Eric Sfiligoj:
Anything new on the docket this year?

Nate Pearce:
I’m not involved closely enough in the planning to provide specifics, but there’s always something new at MAGIE.

Eric Sfiligoj:
I remember a few years ago they even had an axe-throwing exhibition. I tried it, but I couldn’t get the axe to stick.

One thing I always look forward to is the awards. CropLife IRON presents the Showstopper Award each year. What other awards does IFCA present?

Nate Pearce:
We present the Image Award, but the one we talk about most is the Custom Applicator of the Year Award.

Ag retailers from across the state nominate applicators, and a committee reviews the nominations and selects recipients. The award recognizes applicators for their careers, achievements, and contributions to the custom application industry.

Eric Sfiligoj:
Actually, I believe there are four winners each year. I was just looking at the photo. It’s always a special moment at the tailgate party when those applicators are recognized.

For those interested in attending, MAGIE will take place August 26-27 in Bloomington, Illinois. Visit the IFCA website for more information.

If you’re there, stop by and say hello to Nate and me.

Nate, thank you for joining us to discuss IFCA, industry trends, and the upcoming MAGIE Show. We look forward to seeing you this summer.

And thanks to our viewers for joining us. We’ll see you again next week.

Nate Pearce:
Thank you.

Eric Sfiligoj:
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