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The article discusses factors affecting fertilizer requirements amid the decrease in crop prices citing weather, product supplies and logistics. Topics covered include the availability of federal loan deficient payment programs for producers, the implications of acreage increases or shifts in fertilizer volumes, and the online resource Plant Nutrient Affordability Index that presents the association between fertilizer and crop prices such as corn, soybeans and wheat.

The article focuses on the importance of scouting and soil testing to maximize yields and technologies for the same. Topics discussed include farmers to save on fertilizers by soil testing, views of Allan Baucom, owner of cloud consulting firm Falon Technologies Group LLC, on the importance of cores to represent zones; and an automated soil sampler from Falon. Other topics include complications in scouting due to cropping systems, ScoutPro apps for scouting and software firm iCropTrak.

The article discusses the factors affecting purchase decisions by agricultural retailers and growers in the U.S. as they head into 2016. Topics covered include J. R. Simplot Co. crop nutrition sourcing director Gene Vernon saying that crop supply and activity increase is driving prices downward, the status of fertilizer application activity in fall 2015, and the issue with logistics facing fertilizer manufacturers. Also mentioned is the better conditions for growers in the west. INSET: PRECISION FERTILIZER ON SPECIALTY CROPS.

The article shares comments from fertilizer retailers amid uncertain commodity prices and excessive rain that affected yields in many areas in the U.S. Ceres Solutions LLC reports that record rainfall in Indiana impacted field application of fertilizers, contributing to crop losses. Nutrient losses from the summer rain in Illinois boosted business for Schertz Aerial Service. Legacy Farmers Coop claims that growers are delaying their orders for fertilizers for the coming fall and spring seasons. INSET: HELPING NITROGEN WORK.

The article focuses on the changing needs for storage of liquid fertilizers in the U.S. CST Industries Inc. created a tank having a glass/steel combination on the walls which has the ability to withstand the aggressive nature of fertilizers. Precision Tank & Equipment has started a plant to make fiberglass and stainless steel tanks.

The article discusses the significance of tank and containment for fertilizers. It notes that capacity and longevity are considered the key sales points among tank and containment manufacturers as they experience another brisk year. The authors stated that buyers are considering both steel and fiberglass, though fiberglass products might have the edge. It says that Precision Tank and Equipment (PT&E) has strong sales on tanks, shifting from mild steel to fiberglass on its large storage tanks.

The article discusses how to sell the value in enhancers and additives and the issues with it. Topics include the reason why low commodity prices create opportunities for fertilizer additives according to Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers Vice President Nick Bancroft, a discussion of the sampling done on options such as Compass' Nu-Trax P+ and TKI Crop Vitality's Thio-Sul, and how to introduce to customers the value of enhancers and additives.

The article reports on the Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association's (IFCA) successful generation of solutions to help curb nutrients loss in fields as of October 2015. Topics discussed include IFCA and allied organizations' orchestration of programs to help growers and retailers protect waterways and increase yields, and their sharing of information with water utility, environmental and commodity groups. Also noted is IFCA's introduction of its 4R Code of Practice and pledge in August. INSET: UNCERTAINTY AHEAD.

The article reports on the move of agribusiness manufacturers in the U.S. to introduce and market off-patent generics. The move is a repositioning strategy whereby manufacturers are ascertaining new niches or if an ingredient dovetails their portfolios. Off-patent dynamics can introduce vigor in the industry, primarily by lowering the price of products.