A recent study established 60% of Iowa farmers say fertilizer dealers should do more to help their clients address nutrient loss. Obviously, farmers are looking for information and they want their ag retailer’s help.
Even though retail agronomists admit they should be talking to farmers about conservation, they are not quite sure how to bring it up with their clients. They tell me they are uncomfortable with the topic and aren’t sure how their growers will react. The research bears that out. In a recent study by the Minnesota Freshwater Society, “crop advisers report being reluctant to introduce ideas about conservation into a conversation with a farmer unless that farmer has already expressed interest in participating in conservation.” Who is going to bring it up first, the farmer or the ag retailer?
This communication gap reminds me of the conversation I always expect to have with my doctor, but it never seems to happen. After turning 50, I decided I would get a physical every year. During these annual visits, I always anticipate that Doc will tell me I needed to lose 25 pounds. Year after year, the subject of my weight never comes up. Deep down I know, but I never bring it up. The doctor knows, but doesn’t bring it up. Neither one of us ever broaches the subject. Invariably upon leaving those checkups I rationalize to myself, “If my doctor doesn’t bring up my weight issue then it’s probably no big deal. After all, I rely on him for my health information.”
On the surface it sounds ridiculous. Why would two grown-ups be unwilling to discuss the elephant in the room (so to speak)? But this happens all of the time, when each party sidesteps a conversation, because it is just easier to avoid the subject rather than possibly offending someone. I guess the mentality is that the possibility of offending and losing a client is not worth the risk.
Possibly this is what ag retailers think. But wait. Farmers trust ag retailers and want their help. Ag retailers are in the ideal position to initiate the conservation discussion with farmers. They just need the right conversation-starter.
Targeting Critical Resource Areas