Here in southeastern Illinois, we are entering the homestretch on Harvest 2025. To say the least, it has been a challenge – wet spring, dry summer, poor crop. That's all the reminiscing I'm going to do. Let's move on and get ready for 2026. 

We are in the middle of this trade war with China, Illinois' largest soybean customer. Inputs are all higher than last year, especially phosphate, so how are we supposed to be optimistic? Well, optimism has nothing to do with it. Preparing and planning for this coming year should start with prioritizing your input decisions.  

Just as your grain marketing should be a business decision, not an emotional one, so should your inputs this winter. We've seen downturns in commodity prices before, but it's been a while since we've seen the stars line up against us to this extent. There's so much we cannot control, let's focus on what we can.  

Find a trusted advisor to help you make these decisions. Certified Crop Advisers (CCAs) are trained professionals with the knowledge to give you the best options for your operation. You are not in this alone, there are people out there to help you succeed.  

First, make a crop plan for '26 and build priorities around it. Now, here's where my opinion kicks in, as I see it, you build a plan that you can work with. Here we go: my first priority is genetics. In good fields, I'm going to plant the best genetics I can afford. Today's varieties and hybrids are so versatile in dealing with adverse environmental conditions – this is not the place to skimp or cut costs. Good genetics are your single most important input purchase. 

Next, you need to create a solid crop protection plan. Those genetics will perform better with less stress from weeds, diseases and insects. Look at your weed history – what species give you the most trouble, and what's the best way to control them? 

Consider all your options:  

• Is there a lower-cost product that does the same thing?  

• What adjuvants increase product efficacy the most?  

• What herbicide program fits your genetics best?  

• Can you use a generic option that saves some money but still controls the pest? 

• Aerial or ground application of fungicide? Where do drones fit?  

See, lots of options here. But it's still your second most important decision to make. 

Now, let's address that big elephant in the room: soil nutrition. To start off, I've heard about several farmers cutting back or eliminating P and K fertilizer applications for 2026. I've seen this before, and I have no idea what each individual farmer's situation is financially – it's not my business to run. But know that there are consequences for prolonged mining of nutrients from your soil.  

We know that any crop, whatever the crop is, removes a predictable amount of nutrients per bushel. You need get familiar with that. There are good nutrient removal apps available that can help you understand those numbers. The University of Illinois also has updated crop removal numbers for Illinois – this is solid, university-driven information. Don't be afraid to use it. It takes longer to build nutrients back than it took to mine them. Don't cut off your nose to spite your face! Again, take the emotion out of it, this is a business decision.  

Lastly, look at recent research in nutrient use efficiency (NUE). See which micro or secondary nutrients add a positive return on investment (ROI) in your geography and soil types. Looking at NUE and ROI are things we should do every year while planning for a crop, but they're really going to make a difference in maximizing your ability to manage costs this year.  

Protecting your nutrient investment with a good stabilizer or availability enhancer can be an option, But REMEMBER, nothing replaces an essential nutrient. You're going to remove N, P, K Ca, S, Mg, B, Zn, MN etc. Get the picture? It's a lot to keep track of.  

If a product sounds too good to be true, well, it probably is! Don't fall victim to wild claims about never apply fertilizer again. I'm sorry, that's not how it works. It may save you some money in the short term but can cost much more in yield and make up applications in the future.  

Now, for some optimism: We will grow a crop in 2026. This time next year, we'll decide how successful our decisions made over the next few months were. Use all your resources to make those decisions. There are some really good people in our industry that are here to help. There are only six IL Soy Envoys but more than a thousand Illinois CCAs. That's some good advice! 

Mike Wilson ASA, CCA, 4R NMS/ RMS/ PASp.