Mark's Market Talk for December 29, 2025

As the final days of 2025 wind down and we prepare to turn the calendar, it’s a good time to reflect on the challenges this year brought. One of the biggest lessons learned was around disease pressure and how we manage it. That experience is still fresh in growers’ minds as we work through chemical plans and prepay bookings, especially with the many conversations happening around fungicides, application methods, and timing.

While we may not see another southern rust year like this one for a while, it’s safe to say it will be watched much more closely next time. This season delivered one of the strongest returns on investment for fungicide applications that I’ve seen in my career.

Looking ahead to 2026, margins appear to be razor thin, making it more important than ever to maximize the return on every input dollar. There are only so many places costs can be cut without impacting yield, so as plans come together it may be wise to invest in additional soil testing to better understand current nutrient levels across fields.

Most inputs are higher than they were last season, which adds another layer of concern when fitting plans to current cash flow situations. One thing is certain: 2026 will bring its own set of challenges. The best thing we can do is recognize the lessons from this year and prepare as thoroughly as possible for the next one.