It is September, and many farmers, agronomists, and retailers are already focused on the 2026 season, and leading the charge of those agronomic decisions is seed. Mark Menke, seed products agronomist with Wilbur-Ellis, shares how with the tough economic situation in row crops, stubbing your toe with a seed selection can be even more painful.

It is September, and many farmers, agronomists, and retailers are already focused on the 2026 season, and leading the charge of those agronomic decisions is seed. Mark Menke, seed products agronomist with Wilbur-Ellis, shares how with the tough economic situation in row crops, stubbing your toe with a seed selection can be even more painful.

The Scoop podcast hosts conversations with retailers and industry leaders on top-of-mind topics affecting ag retail today and in the future

The Scoop podcast hosts conversations with retailers and industry leaders on top-of-mind topics affecting ag retail today and in the future

The Scoop Podcast

Episode 206: How to Define ‘Value’ In The Seed Selection Process

In this episode of The Scoop Podcast, host Margy Eckelkamp speaks with Isaac Wolford, the Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) Representative to the Ag Retailers Association (ARA) Board, about the vital role of CCA accreditation in the ag retail industry. Isaac outlines the program's 30-year history as a "boots-on-the-ground" certification that validates expertise in pest, nutrient, crop, and soil management.

In this episode of&nbsp;The Scoop Podcast, host Margy Eckelkamp speaks with Isaac Wolford, the Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) Representative to the Ag Retailers Association (ARA) Board, about the vital role of CCA accreditation in the ag retail industry. Isaac outlines the program's 30-year history as a "boots-on-the-ground" certification that validates expertise in pest, nutrient, crop, and soil management.

The Scoop Podcast: Unlocking Retail Growth: The Evolving Value and Opportunities of CCA Certification

In this episode of The Scoop, Margy Eckelkamp sits down with Hunter Carpenter from the Agricultural Retailers Association to break down the critical policy shifts currently moving through Washington, D.C. The conversation centers on the House-passed Farm Bill, highlighting key wins like the TSP Access Act and the new plant biostimulant definition. However, Hunter also addresses the "hiccups" in the House version, specifically the removal of language regarding uniform labeling and NPDES permit reforms—issues the ARA hopes to revive in the Senate. The episode further explores the House's recent passage of year-round E15 sales. Beyond legislation, Hunter discusses the ARA’s cautious stance on the proposed Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern rail merger, emphasizing that maintaining competition is vital for keeping freight rates manageable for retailers.

In this episode of The Scoop, Margy Eckelkamp sits down with Hunter Carpenter from the Agricultural Retailers Association to break down the critical policy shifts currently moving through Washington, D.C. The conversation centers on the House-passed Farm Bill, highlighting key wins like the TSP Access Act and the new plant biostimulant definition. However, Hunter also addresses the "hiccups" in the House version, specifically the removal of language regarding uniform labeling and NPDES permit reforms&mdash;issues the ARA hopes to revive in the Senate. The episode further explores the House's recent passage of year-round E15 sales. Beyond legislation, Hunter discusses the ARA&rsquo;s cautious stance on the proposed Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern rail merger, emphasizing that maintaining competition is vital for keeping freight rates manageable for retailers.

The Scoop Podcast Farm Bill Roadblocks & E15 Breakthroughs -- What Ag Retailers Need to Know Now

John Hockett, CEO of Marion Ag Service, is the second-generation leader for this family-run ag retailer located in Oregon. As a previous recipient of ARA’s Retailer of the Year, Marion Ag Service exemplifies excellence in its business in many ways, which Hockett boils down to “little things matter.” This year marks 50 years of business, and Hockett shares a bit on their vision for the next 50.

John Hockett, CEO of Marion Ag Service, is the second-generation leader for this family-run ag retailer located in Oregon. As a previous recipient of ARA&rsquo;s Retailer of the Year, Marion Ag Service exemplifies excellence in its business in many ways, which Hockett boils down to &ldquo;little things matter.&rdquo; This year marks 50 years of business, and Hockett shares a bit on their vision for the next 50.

Episode 206: How to Define ‘Value’ In The Seed Selection Process

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