Farmers Business Network released information on Mar. 13 about the use of starter and foliar fertilizers to help farmers improve plant health and protect yields in challenging environmental conditions.
The topic is important as growers face unpredictable weather and soil factors that can impact crop performance. The organization says that strategic fertilizer use can help plants overcome these stressors, potentially reducing yield loss.
Starter fertilizers are commonly used in regions like the Corn Belt, where cool, wet soils can slow root growth and nutrient uptake. These products supply essential nutrients directly to seedlings, helping them establish more quickly even when soil conditions are not ideal. Farmers Business Network notes that proper placement—such as in-furrow or two-by-two banding—can influence effectiveness and reduce risks like salt injury to seeds. Foliar fertilizers, applied directly to leaves, offer a way to address nutrient deficiencies during critical growth stages but are not a replacement for soil-applied macronutrients.
The network highlights several benefits of these approaches, including more uniform plant stands, early seedling vigor, reduced weed competition, and possible yield increases. However, it also cautions about potential drawbacks such as application timing challenges and the need for multiple treatments with foliar feeding.
Farmers Business Network provides a range of crop nutrition products through its affiliates such as FBN Inputs LLC for product distribution and FBN CM LLC for grain advisory services, according to the official website. The organization utilizes fulfillment and logistics centers to deliver products directly to farms. It has received financial backing from investors like GV and Temasek to develop its technology platforms and has provided nearly $3 billion in financing to growers according to the official website.
With over 120,000 farmer members managing more than 185 million acres according to the official website, Farmers Business Network aims to empower family farmers through data sharing, direct access to manufacturers, competitive markets, educational content, mental health resources, and support for sustainable practices according to the official website.
Farmer’s Business Network describes itself as an agriculture technology entity promoting transparency and fairness by providing tools such as crop inputs, financial support, grain marketing resources, and supporting long-term sustainability in farming communities according to the official website.
