5 Insights for Ag Retailers on Policy, Fertilizer, and Technology

Ag retailers face no shortage of challenges in 2026, from legislative battles and regulatory uncertainty to fertilizer market volatility and rapidly evolving technology. During a recent episode of CropLife Retail Week, Nate Pearce, Acting Chairman of the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association (IFCA) and an agronomy leader with Gold Star FS, discussed some of the most pressing issues affecting retailers today.

Here are five key takeaways from the conversation.

1. State-Level Advocacy Matters More Than Ever

While much of the industry’s attention is focused on federal regulations, Pearce emphasized that some of the biggest threats to retail operations can emerge at the state level.

This year, IFCA successfully opposed legislation that would have required pesticide applicators to provide advance notice before making applications within a half-mile of schools or parks. The association also helped stop an effort to ban paraquat in Illinois.

According to Pearce, these battles underscore the importance of retailer engagement.

“Make your voice be heard,” he said. “If we don’t engage these legislators, it’s easy for them to just pass it and move on.”

He noted that many proposals are introduced with good intentions but can create significant operational challenges if lawmakers do not understand how modern agricultural applications are conducted.

2. Paraquat and Glyphosate Remain Critical Industry Issues

Although Illinois avoided a state-level paraquat ban, Pearce believes the broader issue remains important for retailers nationwide.

“When we start to ban those products at the state level and it’s legal at the federal level, what are the farmers going to do?” he said. “They’re going to travel across state lines. They’re going to get the products they need to control the weeds on their farm.”

The industry is also awaiting developments related to glyphosate litigation and the ongoing debate over state versus federal labeling authority. While Pearce acknowledged he has been focused primarily on Illinois issues, he noted that adverse legal outcomes could significantly impact retailer operations and grower weed management programs.

3. Fertilizer Markets Remain Highly Vulnerable to Global Events

Recent geopolitical tensions and concerns over global shipping routes have once again highlighted how quickly fertilizer markets can shift.

Fortunately, many Illinois growers had already completed much of their fertilizer work before recent disruptions began affecting prices. However, Pearce said retailers are closely watching what lies ahead, particularly for fall nitrogen applications.

“We’re a heavy fall nitrogen market, and right now we are sitting very anxiously waiting to see what anhydrous ammonia for fall application comes out priced at,” he said.

He also expects phosphate prices to remain elevated due to ongoing supply-and-demand pressures, tariffs, and rising production costs.

4. Inventory Management Requires Constant Balancing

One lesson retailers have learned repeatedly over the years is that supply disruptions can emerge suddenly and disappear just as quickly.

Pearce pointed to past transportation bottlenecks as reminders that global supply chains remain vulnerable.

“It can change so dramatically, so quickly,” he said. “We try to have some inventory on hand just in case something like that happens, so we keep going and hit our application windows. But obviously, you just can’t have it sitting around either.”

For retailers, that means maintaining enough inventory to serve customers while avoiding the financial risks associated with carrying excessive product.

5. Innovation Remains a Major Draw at MAGIE

Looking ahead, Pearce encouraged retailers to attend the 45th Annual Midwest Ag Industries Exposition (MAGIE), scheduled for August 26-27 in Bloomington, IL.

The event has become one of the premier showcases for application equipment, precision technology, and emerging innovations serving the ag retail market.

“It’s really a hands-on event,” Pearce said. “There’s over 80 vendors there, and the opportunity to ride and drive machinery, get up close and touch equipment, as well as take advantage of training opportunities.”

Drone technology continues to be one of the show’s fastest-growing attractions.

“That drone segment just keeps growing and growing and growing,” he said. “The drones keep getting bigger and bigger.”

In addition to technology demonstrations, attendees can participate in networking events and celebrate industry excellence through programs such as IFCA’s Custom Applicator of the Year Award.

Looking Ahead

Whether the issue is legislative advocacy, crop protection regulations, fertilizer supply, or emerging technology, Pearce believes retailers must remain engaged and adaptable.

The challenges facing agriculture continue to evolve, but so do the opportunities. Retailers that stay informed, participate in industry associations, and invest in innovation will be best positioned to navigate whatever comes next.

To hear the complete conversation with Nate Pearce, including additional discussion on fertilizer markets, paraquat legislation, and the upcoming MAGIE Show, view the full episode of CropLife Retail Week.