How To Get the Most Out of Your Retailer Partnerships

No farm is successful without a strong supporting team. From the people running your equipment to your financial and agronomic advisors, the relationships in which you invest help build your operation. Let’s explore how you can foster stronger relationships with your local ag retailer and the benefits it has for your business. 

Tapping Into Local Knowledge

Having a local ag retailer on your side lets you tap into a wealth of agronomic knowledge tailored to your area. Whether it’s product recommendations, fertilizer rates or application timing – there’s no one-size-fits-all directive when managing a farm. What works for your neighbor next door or the farmer 60 miles down the road may not be your best option. Your local retailer has experience working across many types of farms and can help you understand what has worked and what hasn’t in conditions like yours. When you’ve developed a trusted relationship with your local retailer, they can provide recommendations tailored to the specific needs of your farm.

Local expertise is vital, especially as you manage challenges that vary from season to season. Whether adjusting to weather conditions, pest and disease pressures, product availability or market conditions, a knowledgeable ag retail partner can offer valuable insights beyond a product list.

Having an expert who understands your farm can lead to more effective seed placement and more profitable crop management. Local knowledge is the critical link that helps connect the right products with the right acres – it helps you develop a whole-acre approach to farm management. And, the value of an ag retailer doesn’t stop with just one agronomist. Your local ag retailer usually works with an entire team of experts, offering a vast network of resources to tap for support.

For instance, your CROPLAN^® retailer is supported by a team of specialists who can offer agronomic advice, provide local yield and crop management data, or help with product troubleshooting. This team-based approach means you have a wealth of expertise at your disposal. Boots-on-the-ground support gives you more agility and can help you pivot plans quickly when necessary. 

Investing In Relationships Adds Value Over Time

Developing a strong, long-term relationship with your ag retailer doesn’t just happen overnight. Like any relationship, it requires consistent effort, clear communication, and commitment. But the investment is worth it. Local ag retailers are not just there for a one-time sale – they're invested in the long-term success of their growers’ businesses and local communities. 

Your retailer can serve as a valuable source of information to help you navigate industry changes. Whether it’s new regulations, the latest technology or fluctuating commodity prices, they can help you remain competitive amidst the change. The more your ag retailer knows about your operation and business goals, the more empowered they are to help you achieve them. Wondering how to elevate the benefits of having a local trusted advisor? Here are a few tips:

• Articulate your business goals
  • When your retailer knows where you want to go, it’s much easier to help you get there. 
• Share your data
  • Knowledge is power. When you share your information, it helps your retailer identify opportunities to improve.
• Ask questions
  • Use your ag retailer to build your knowledge base. Probe them for information and insights you can apply in your operation.
• Leverage the greater team
  • Call on your retailer’s extensive network to help solve problems. 

Partners In Success

When you invest in a long-term relationship with your local ag retailer, you can ensure you have the support you need to navigate today’s challenges and prepare for future ones. From timely product recommendations to hands-on support in the field, your ag retailer can be a critical partner in driving the success and legacy of your farm.

Ag retailers are here for the long haul; and when you find the right one, they’ll be your partner every step of the way. Reach out to your local CROPLAN retailer for help finalizing plans for next season.