By Scout Nelson
Farmers are searching for new ways to reduce expenses such as rising fuel, fertilizer, and production costs to continue making profits harder to achieve. Many producers are adjusting their farm plans and focusing more closely on managing costs during the 2026 growing season.
Michael Marks, Harvest Public Media, highlighted how farmers are using soil testing, changing crop strategies, and reducing expenses to manage increasing production costs and financial pressure across agriculture operations.
Derek Davis, a fifth-generation farmer from Missouri, says soil testing has become more important as fertilizer prices continue rising. Testing helps farmers understand nutrient levels already present in the soil so they can reduce unnecessary fertilizer applications.
“With nitrogen being so extremely high [in cost] right now, any residual you can take advantage of that’s already in the soil is going to help the bottom line,” said DeDe Jones.
Many farmers are making difficult financial decisions this season. Some are reducing fertilizer use, delaying machinery repairs, or limiting pesticide applications to lower expenses. Fuel prices and fertilizer costs have increased sharply following global conflicts and supply concerns, creating additional stress for producers already facing tight margins.
Experts say some growers may switch crops to reduce fertilizer needs. Soybeans are becoming more attractive for some producers because they require different nutrients than corn and currently offer lower input costs.
“It's this kind of almost opposite way of thinking, to say that we're not going to try to get every bushel we can off of the field,” said Jonathan LaPorte. “And so it definitely takes a little bit of a shift in mindset to look at maximizing profit versus maximizing yields.”
Farm economists also expect producers to reduce investments in land, buildings, and machinery this year. Some experts warn that continuing financial pressure could make debt payments more difficult for farms with large operating costs.
Farm leaders say many producers are now focusing less on record crop yields and more on maintaining stable finances and long-term business survival during uncertain economic conditions.
Photo Credit: istock-kat72
Categories: Nebraska, Crops, Equipment & Machinery