Growing Together Fall 2026

Strong partnerships, shared goals and open dialogue with our customers are extremely important to Grow West. With all of the ups and downs in our industry, there is tremendous value in knowing and trusting who you are doing business with. As we finish 2026 and look ahead to 2027, we want to remain a trusted partner that supports you and helps you plan effectively.

Lucas Schmidt

Looking Back and Ahead

At the start of 2026, it seemed as if the ag industry was approaching calmer waters even though commodity prices remained tough. But just two months into the year, international issues disrupted the calm and caused supply chain challenges, product availability problems, increased fuel prices and more. It’s been a year of rapidly- changing information and situations. We had to keep up on a daily basis and adapt.

Planning Challenge: Focus on Trends, Not Headlines

We know that while you’re navigating current situations and headlines, you’re also planning for the future. Many of you started] planning earlier this year for 2027 – and possibly 2028 and beyond. Whatever stage of planning you’re in or whatever time of year it is, our Grow West team wants to work as closely as possible with you to maximize efficiencies and minimize any potential obstacles and negative impacts. Our goal is to be ready and respond quickly when issues arise.

Putting those three themes into action means having coordinated efforts to develop plans A and B – and maybe C – with shared goals, objectives and what ifs. If we get out in front with proactive decisions together, that preparation gives us a better chance of making it through all types of situations.

Take El Niño as an example. We don’t know the impact it will have on our farms and operations, but we can plan the best we can based on what we’ve learned from past experiences. If the storms turn out to be intense and we have plans in place, there’s a greater likelihood of mitigating risk. If the storms aren’t as strong as forecasted, then at least we’re prepared.

Working together on planning is mutually beneficial; it gives you some peace of mind and it helps us provide top-notch, tailored service for your farm. Planning on our end also includes seeking opportunities – such as our partnership with Elevar Agri-Solutions – to remain an innovative leader in the industry.

We Appreciate Your Trust In Us

As we all know, agriculture has always been an industry that’s willing to work harder. But we also have to work smarter – with improved coordination, communication, planning and efficiencies – so we are better prepared when changes and challenges arise. If there’s a better way, we need to be on top of it.

That said, while AI and other new technologies can be advantageous and make us better, the personalized connection with you and your team remains our priority. We believe driving the decision closest to the field as possible is important.

We appreciate quality discussions and coordinated efforts. Together we can eliminate assumptions and act on the appropriate priorities. Thank you for trusting us and letting us play a part in your operation. It is a true honor working with you.