On this episode of Scoop, Margy Eckelkamp talks with four members of the Farm Journal 40 Under 40 class about what’s shaping ag retail heading into 2027, and the advice they’d give anyone early in their career.

Josh Wurmnest, Regional Business Manager at Growmark, explains how margin compression, global uncertainty and consolidation are shaping the FS cooperative system. Chris Shinker, Procurement Manager for Generic Crop Protection at Novus Ag, shares how a franchise-style retail model and the post-patent generics opportunity are helping growers get more from every dollar. Tate Kelley, Product Manager at Netafim, covers the push for water and fertilizer savings, along with new drip irrigation technology and automation. Trent Miller, Key Account Manager at Simplot, describes expanding the company’s retail footprint into the Carolinas and what it takes to earn a farmer’s trust as a new name.