Positioning for Profit: Fertilizer Efficiency with AgroLiquid
- addison932
- 56 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Contents of the blog were from an interview conducted with Kelly Waugh at Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Texas.
As Kansas farmers wrap up the 2025 growing season and begin planning for 2026, there’s a renewed sense of cautious optimism across the country. After several challenging years, moisture levels heading into winter are offering something many producers haven’t had in a while — a solid foundation.
I recently spoke with Kelly Waugh of AgroLiquid about what they’re watching in the markets and what they’re doing to help farmers in the year ahead.
Optimism Rooted in Moisture
“Conditions are always tough, it seems like with farming,” Waugh shared. “But this year, we have moisture. It’s something we haven’t had in the last two or three years coming out of winter. We’ve got moisture in the ground, so we are very optimistic about the ability to raise a crop.”
That optimism doesn’t mean easing up on management decisions. In fact, it means the opposite. With better growing conditions comes the responsibility to maximize return on investment. With input costs still top of mind, efficiency will be the name of the game in 2026.
Efficiency Over Excess
When asked what they hope their products can do for farmers, Waugh centered the answer on one word: efficiency.
“Just applying a bunch of fertilizer doesn’t mean you’re going to get the best bang for your buck,” he explained. “More fertilizer doesn’t mean more yield.”
Instead of focusing on volume, AgroLiquid encourages producers to focus on nutrient efficiency — getting more out of every dollar spent. That includes reducing unnecessary passes across the field, cutting fuel costs, and making better use of expensive equipment.
One product highlighted was their phosphorus product, Pro-Germinator. Compared to conventional starter fertilizers like 10-34-0, Waugh noted that growers can significantly reduce application rates while improving crop uptake and extending nutrient availability in the soil.
The goal is season-long balance within the plant — not just an early burst of growth.
Key Considerations for Kansas Farmers
For Kansas producers specifically, placement and timing remain critical factors when selecting fertilizers.
“We can do a really good job of getting fertilizer on the dirt,” Waugh said. “But how do we get it into the plant?”
That’s where plant-time applications come into play. Getting nutrients as close to the seed as possible — even directly on the seed in some systems — can improve efficiency and uptake. While every operation looks different, whether it’s conventional till, strip-till, or another system, the focus remains the same: tailor the fertility program to fit the farm.
Their approach centers on evaluating each operation individually and identifying ways to maximize efficiency within that system.
Every Acre Matters
As input costs remain high and margins tight, these decisions carry real weight — especially for producers whose operations support both crops and livestock.
“When your livelihood depends on your livestock, every acre matters.”
Heading into 2026, moisture in the soil has set the stage for opportunity. Now, the conversation turns to smart management — making every pass, every application, and every acre count.