WRAY, COLO. (RFD-TV) — Rising fertilizer costs and unpredictable rainfall are putting added pressure on farm budgets, prompting growers to focus on getting more value from every nutrient application. Improving nutrient-use efficiency could help producers manage input costs while protecting crop performance.
Dr. Chad Godsey, farmer and chief agronomist with Green Evolution Technologies, joined Market Day Report to discuss how weather affects nutrient availability, steps growers can take ahead of the 2027 season, and what to look for when evaluating new agricultural technologies.
Weather Adds to Nutrient Management Challenges
In his interview with RFD-TV, Godsey said farmers have increasingly focused on nutrient-use efficiency over the past two years as fertilizer prices and other input costs have risen.
Unpredictable rainfall has added another challenge. In parts of the Corn Belt, some growers experienced extended dry periods followed by heavy rainfall, creating difficult conditions for managing crop nutrients.
Godsey said soil type and moisture conditions influence how effectively crops can use applied nutrients. Nitrogen management is particularly important in areas with sandy soils and a high potential for leaching.
He said growers need to monitor conditions throughout the growing season and be prepared to adjust management when crops need additional nutrients or experience periods of stress.
Planning Ahead for the 2027 Growing Season
With producers already considering input decisions for next year, Godsey said now is a good time to evaluate products designed to improve nutrient-use efficiency.
He encouraged growers to focus on products with a tested record of performance and determine whether they can deliver measurable benefits under their own farming conditions.
Because every operation has different soils, management practices, and growing conditions, he said a product that works on one farm may not deliver the same results elsewhere.
Testing Helps Measure Return on Investment
Godsey said third-party testing is a useful starting point when evaluating new agricultural technologies, but on-farm trials are also important.
“Third-party testing is always the first place to look at,” Godsey said.
He said growers should then evaluate products on their own farms to determine whether they work with their soil types and management systems.
“There are a lot of products that work out there, but it’s got to be figured out on your farm,” Godsey said.
With profit margins tight, Godsey said identifying technologies that improve efficiency is increasingly important. Producers need evidence that a product can deliver value before committing additional money to their operations.
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