As the calendar turns from 2025 to 2026, many growers across Maryland and southern Pennsylvania are shifting from harvest mode to evaluation and planning. In a recent appearance on RFD-TV’s Market Day Report, Certified Crop Advisor Ben Hushon of The Mill highlighted why soil sampling and data-driven nutrient planning should be top priorities heading into the new year.
A Strong Yield Year Brings Important Questions
While commodity markets have fluctuated to close out the year, one thing remains consistent across much of the Mid-Atlantic: 2025 delivered some of the best yields many growers have seen.
“With those big yields comes significant crop removal,” Ben explained. “Bushels, tons, and silage all pull nutrients out of the soil.”
That makes soil testing not just a routine task, but a critical step in protecting profitability for the coming season.
Soil Sampling Momentum Builds After Harvest
Ben noted that once combines begin rolling in October, soil probes typically follow close behind. This year has been no exception, with a noticeable uptick in calls as weather systems move through and winter conditions approach.
Modern soil tests can return anywhere from 20 to 40 data points, providing growers with valuable insight into nutrient levels, pH, and overall soil balance. Ben emphasized the importance of sitting down with a Certified Crop Advisor or trusted agronomic partner to interpret those results accurately.
“Many farmers have been looking at soil samples their entire career,” he said. “We always start with pH and base saturation, but there’s much more information available today.”
Moving Beyond One-Size-Fits-All Fertility
One of the most important takeaways from Ben’s update was the need to move past blanket fertilizer applications.
“It’s almost 2026,” Ben said. “We really need to start breaking fields into zones instead of applying fertilizer across an entire 20- or 40-acre field based on one soil sample.”
Using yield maps, soil sensors, or a combination of both, growers can divide fields into management zones that better reflect actual performance and nutrient needs. This approach allows fertilizer dollars to be placed where they generate the best return.
“With fertilizer and inputs as high as they are,” Ben added, “we don’t want to be applying the same thing everywhere. We need to use the farmer’s data to guide those decisions.”
Plan, Don’t React
As market uncertainty continues into the new year, Ben echoed a broader message heard across the industry: success comes from having a plan and sticking to it.
End-of-year analysis, soil sampling, and zone-based planning provide growers with a clear path forward, helping eliminate emotional decision-making and ensuring inputs are aligned with field variability and long-term goals.
Start 2026 With a Clear Agronomy Plan
Winter is the ideal time to evaluate soil test results, review yield data, and build a nutrient strategy that reflects real field conditions. The Mill’s Agronomy Team works alongside growers to turn data into actionable decisions that support efficiency, sustainability, and yield potential.
Ready to plan your 2026 fertility strategy?
Connect with The Mill’s Certified Crop Advisors for soil sampling, zone creation, and data-driven nutrient planning.
