Last season we walked a field where the fertility program looked right on paper. Rates were where they should be. Timing was right. Nothing obvious was missing. But the crop response just wasn’t there. If you farm long enough, you eventually run into fields like that — where nutrients were applied, but something in the soil keeps the plant from fully accessing them.

Harvest may be wrapping up, but now’s the time to start thinking ahead. The truth is, the best hybrid decisions aren’t made in January — they’re made right after harvest, when the season’s results are still fresh and product availability is wide open.

Across Seward and York counties, we’ve been seeing the same trend in 2025 samples: nutrient tie-ups, missed uptake, and input dollars being left on the table. In a year like this, with markets under pressure, it’s more important than ever to fertilize with precision… not habit.

Whether you’ve already been out walking or haven’t had time to step between the rows, this guide covers what we’re looking for right now — and what signs might signal a need for action.