The Farming Trend Cutting Input Costs

June 23, 2026

As farmers across the country battle rising input costs, labor shortages, and tight commodity margins, one Kansas agronomist believes the answer may lie beneath their feet.

Jared Stegman, a sales agronomist with Teva Ag says regenerative agriculture practices and improved soil biology are helping producers reduce input costs while maintaining productivity.

Stegman, who spent nearly 15 years as an independent crop consultant before joining Teva Ag, says his transition to the company came after years of observing positive results from the company's products on client farms.

“I want to help producers as much as I possibly can,” Stegman said. “At the end of the day, it’s truly about helping the farmer carry on and do their business.”

Taking a Systems Approach

Founded in 1979, Teva Ag focuses on helping farmers improve nutrient efficiency, soil health, and overall profitability through a systems-based approach.

Rather than promoting a one-size-fits-all solution, Stegman says the company emphasizes understanding each operation’s unique challenges through soil testing, tissue sampling, and field evaluations before making recommendations.

“We ask a lot of questions to really get to the bottom of what each individual farmer has for challenges in their operation,” he said. “How can we help them become more profitable and achieve their goals?”

Soil Biology Becoming a Bigger Focus

According to Stegman, one of the most exciting developments in agriculture today is the growing interest in regenerative farming and the role of soil biology.

He describes the billions of microorganisms living in farm soils as an untapped workforce that can help improve nutrient cycling, moisture retention, and crop performance.

“Most farmers will tell you labor is one of their biggest challenges,” Stegman said. “What they may not realize is they already have millions upon trillions of little workers hiding in their soil that are ready to go to work for them.”

Stegman says feeding soil microbes through carbon-based practices can help unlock nutrients and improve overall soil function.

Success Story in Southwest Kansas

One example comes from Stegman’s own family farming operation near Dodge City, Kan.

He says his cousin, a fifth-generation farmer, has transitioned entirely to regenerative practices over the past four years. The operation has eliminated most synthetic fertilizers and instead relies on biological inputs, carbon-based products, and compost extracts.

Despite challenging growing conditions and more than 200 days without a significant rainfall event, Stegman says the farm's wheat crop continues to perform at levels comparable to neighboring operations.

“He’s been yielding right there with the neighbors in the good years,” Stegman said. “And during these dry conditions, his wheat looks head and shoulders above many others around him.”

The farm has also participated in nutrient-density testing through Utah State University, which showed elevated levels of nutrients, antioxidants, and beneficial plant compounds compared to conventionally grown grain samples in the testing database.

Addressing Agriculture's Biggest Challenges

While Stegman remains optimistic about the future, he acknowledges producers are facing significant financial pressure.

“The biggest challenge right now is input costs,” he said. “Fertilizer prices remain high while commodity prices aren't keeping pace, and farmers are getting squeezed from both sides.”

He believes improving nutrient efficiency and identifying overlooked deficiencies in soils can help producers stretch fertilizer dollars further while maintaining crop performance.

Looking Ahead

As interest in regenerative agriculture continues to grow, Stegman says producers are increasingly willing to explore new approaches that improve profitability while building healthier soils.

“I think we're still only scratching the surface of understanding what's happening beneath our feet,” he said. “The opportunities are tremendous for farmers who are willing to learn more about their soil biology and how to work with it.”

More information about Teva Ag and its products like C-CAT, MMTS and Complex, click here.

Source: Western Ag Network