Posted March 24, 2025 | By: Nutrien Ag Solutions

Crop Consultants Share Expertise to Prepare for Growing Season

As our Nutrien Ag Solutions growers head into spring and the busy planting season, each region is focused on providing customers the best agronomic solutions to achieve the best yields. While some priorities may differ between each region, the common goal remains the same – ensuring our grower’s success.

We asked local experts to share what’s important in their region now and how they prepare for the growing season. Here’s what they had to say.

Corn Belt Region — Kelly Marshall, Crop Consultant

In the Corn Belt Region, Nutrien Ag Solutions teams are working with growers to finalize all the cropping plans that were made over the winter months and set their products up for delivery.

Additionally, Crop Consultants are planning test plots, coordinating with growers on field locations and supplier reps on seed products to be tested in the area. Additionally, they are reviewing early season agronomic information and LPI product information to be prepared for the potential challenges mother nature may bring.

“We have a mixed bag of farming practices in our area regarding tillage/field preparation styles,” says Kelly. “This can cause soils to warm at different temperatures, dry at different speeds and soil microbes to activate at different rates as well. These are all things we consider for determining optimum planting conditions, planter settings and ultimately when specific field conditions are right for planting.”

Kelly adds that they are always aiming to outdo what has been done in the past, and it’s exciting to have a clean slate with nothing but yield potential. “We will likely have several hurdles to face as the spring progresses,” said Kelly. “But right now we're full of optimism at what we could potentially accomplish.”

South Region — Eric Lee, Division Agronomist

Currently in the Southeast, teams are looking at soil tests, financials, and seed availability to determine the best course of action for the coming months.

“Something unique to our region is looking at insurance coverage for potential hurricanes later in the year,” says Eric. “Our growers will likely face back-to-back years of financial instability due to the commodity prices and global lack of demand, so we are working with them on what is going to work best for them this season.”

However, Eric enjoys the anticipation of kicking planting season off.

“Cotton and peanuts are the main crops for many growers in this area, and with cotton prices being as low as they are we are going to watch what growers want to do with the crop this year and advise them on best solutions,” Eric adds.

East Region — Jeff Harris, Branch Manager

For Jeff Harris, the best part about this time of year is getting back in the field.

“Being in Maryland and the closest location to the Chesapeake Bay watershed, we can’t apply any fertilizer to any crops from December until the first of March the following year,” said Jeff. “Now that we’re into March, we’re excited to be busy out in the field.”

While there are many things to consider in planning for the upcoming season, Jeff has noticed a positive change with the grain market moving up. “As we see the sentiment change, we are ready to talk to growers and help them with their crop plan.”

Jeff and his team are also focused on having the right balance of employees with the changing needs of the season, but adds an important point, “the main thing is always working safely.”

West Region — Henry Hinkle, Crop Consultant

In the West Region, teams are finalizing budgets and planning for the upcoming season. Almond bloom is wrapping up, so they are evaluating potential crop load and adjusting inputs as needed. Pistachio bloom is right around the corner, so teams are making sure to have initial sprays and fertilizer inputs ready to go when the trees are.

Henry says, “Growers and I are meeting to discuss our timed sprays and making contingencies to be ready for weather, pest pressure, or anything else that may impact our input decisions. The plans we are making right now will ensure that no matter what mother nature, markets, or any outside forces throw our way our crops will be set up for the greatest potential yields to make sure our growers are successful.”

In the West, Henry deals primarily with tree nut crops (almonds and pistachios). The perennial nature of these crops makes any input decision extremely critical because decisions made now may not bear ultimate results for several years and require a longer-term strategy when compared to shorter season annual crops.

“In the same way, we must take into account the long-term health of the orchard to make sure we are not reacting to short-term market pressures to set ourselves up for success down the road,” Henry adds.

Bloom-time brings about optimism for a successful year and the potential for big yields and high returns for growers.

“As the trees bloom and we start the growing season, growers and I are excited for the potential the year brings and hopeful for a successful and profitable year,” says Henry. “Working with my growers, we are constantly evaluating our plan and making sure we are making the best use of our input dollars to maximize the grower’s return on investment and set our crop up for the greatest potential yields.”

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