As combines wrap up across Maryland and southern Pennsylvania, attention turns below the surface — literally. In his latest appearance on RFD-TV’s Market Day Report, Certified Crop Advisor Ben Hushon of The Mill discussed how soil sampling and data-driven fertilizer decisions are setting farmers up for success next spring.
It’s Soil Sampling Season
“This is the time of year to take soil samples,” Ben shared, standing in a harvested field with a soil probe in hand. “Soil sampling gives us an idea of what’s left in the soil and what might have been pulled out after such a strong yield year.”
The 2025 growing season delivered high yields for many Mid-Atlantic growers, which also means fields have drawn down significant amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients. “You can guess,” Ben noted, “but guesswork will cause you to go broke — especially in today’s economy.”
From Guesswork to Ground Truth
A good soil sample tells the story of your field’s nutrient balance. Typically, 15–20 probes are taken from a representative area and sent to a lab for analysis. Growers then work with their local ag retailer or Certified Crop Advisor to interpret results and plan fertilizer strategies for spring.
Ben emphasized that these conversations are crucial, particularly given fluctuating fertilizer prices and the need to make every acre efficient. “We know what the yields are in many cases, but different soil types hold nutrients differently,” he explained. “That’s why precision matters.”
Sub-Acre Decisions Drive Efficiency
Modern farming in the Mid-Atlantic has evolved far beyond field-level averages. “We’re now making decisions down to the sub-acre,” Ben said. “Instead of managing 20-acre zones, we’re adjusting fertilizer rates based on soil type and yield data within the same field.”
This precision approach allows farmers to match fertilizer applications with actual nutrient removal, reducing waste, and protecting profit margins. “As we drive across the field, various yield zones require different fertilizer amounts,” he added. “That’s where Decision Ag Solutions and variable rate technology make a difference.”
A Season of Gratitude
Before signing off, Ben took a moment to thank the RFD-TV team and The Mill’s community of growers: “Happy Thanksgiving — and thank you to everyone supporting agriculture across the U.S. It’s an honor to share these updates and help spread the word about the work being done in our fields.”
Plan Ahead for a Strong 2026 Season
Now is the time to schedule soil sampling, review nutrient management plans, and align fertilizer purchases for the spring season. The Mill’s agronomy team offers custom soil testing, mapping, and Decision Ag Solutions to help you make smarter, more sustainable decisions for your fields.
Ready to start planning?
Contact The Mill’s Agronomy team for local expertise and data-driven fertilizer recommendations.
