Conducted in April 2026, Farm Journal’s Seed and Planting Study illuminates how farmers are shopping for return on investment, but relationships still matter. With 457 responses, here are top takeaways from farmers.
Who Do You Turn To?
The study asked farmers, from five sources of products, where they buy their inputs and by what percentage of their total farm needs. Local dealers, ag retailers and co-ops were the top sellers.
While a small percentage of farmers in this study say they buy inputs online (4%), almost 40% have an app on their phone from their retailer or co-op.
Specific to seed, a majority of farmer respondents seek advice on selecting that input for their farm.
Timing of Purchases
The study was done in April, after military strikes in Iran had started. Comparatively, fertilizer decisions are happening two months earlier than norms, indicating those are becoming more important than seed selection for early decision-making timing.
Looking Ahead
When asked about making decisions for 2027, concerns about price, performance and value rise to the top. In an open-ended question, the study asked: “What do you want to know more about to inform next year’s seed and planting decisions?” Summarized, the top answers were:
1. Input costs and financial management.
Farmers are deeply concerned about the volatility and rising costs of essential inputs (fertilizer, diesel fuel, seed, chemical/herbicide). In response to that, respondents said they’ll be calculating return on investment, finding ways to reduce overall input costs and understanding price structures for the upcoming year.
2. Market outlook and commodity pricing.
Production decisions are heavily influenced by the projected value of the crop at harvest. Farmers are closely watching grain market
projections; global trade and tariffs; supply and demand influencers; and commodity price stability.
3. Agronomic performance and seed traits.
Farmers are looking for data-driven evidence to choose the best genetics for their specific acres. With that data, they are evaluating new seed traits, biologicals and the performance of new hybrids versus proven older varieties.
4. Weather and environmental factors.
Uncertainty regarding moisture and climate remains a top in-season concern. This is manifesting itself in decisions on maturity dates
and planting windows based on long-term weather forecasts.
5. Policy and regulation.
Farm programs, crop insurance guidelines, carbon credits (45Z) and herbicide regulations appear as influencers on operational planning.
6. Management practices and innovation.
A subset of farmers is interested in improving efficiency and exploring new technologies such as short-stature corn, “alternative” crops or unique niche markets to move away from standard commodity cycles.
For the full report, email cropsalesteam@farmjournal.com.
