In the ever-evolving landscape of agriculture, technology is increasingly becoming a cornerstone for enhancing operations and ensuring food security. The agriculture sector, a linchpin for economic stability, extends far beyond farm businesses, encompassing a myriad of farm-related industries. In 2023, agriculture, food, and related industries contributed a staggering $1.5 trillion to the American economy, accounting for 5.5% of the GDP. This figure, however, is believed to be an underestimation, as numerous sectors rely on agricultural inputs, contributing added value to the economy.
The global food and agribusiness industry, valued at over $5 trillion by McKinsey, is poised for further growth. By 2050, caloric demand is projected to surge by 70%, with crop demand for human consumption and animal feed expected to rise by at least 100%. This surge in population-driven food demand necessitates innovative agricultural practices. Recent trends highlight a significant shift towards technology adoption in agriculture, aimed at enhancing sustainable production.
A 2024 survey by a leading consultancy firm revealed a 3% increase since 2022 in farmers using or willing to adopt digital technology to improve operations. North America leads this technological adoption, while Latin America experienced the fastest growth rate—10%—between 2022 and 2024. In the United States, 61% of farmers are using or willing to adopt digital agronomy, and 51% for precision agriculture hardware. The adoption rate for remote-sensing technologies among American farmers stood at 38%, with over two-thirds using or willing to adapt to farm management software. Large farms are 45% more likely to adopt agriculture technology than smaller farms, driven by the potential for positive ROI.
We recently compiled a list of the 15 Biggest Agriculture Stocks in 2025, with Nutrien Ltd. (NYSE:NTR) standing out as a prominent player. Nutrien, a Canadian crop nutrient company headquartered in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, is recognized as one of the leading producers of potash and nitrogen fertilizers. The company operates through four segments: Nutrien Ag Solutions, Potash, Nitrogen, and Phosphate. In June last year, Nutrien laid out ambitious goals for 2026, targeting nitrogen and potash sales volume growth of between two to three million tonnes compared to 2023 levels. The company also aims to achieve a retail adjusted EBITDA of $1.9 to $2.1 billion in 2026 and control costs across its operations by $200 million by next year.
On November 6, Nutrien announced strong financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2024, reporting significant sales volume growth and a decline in operating costs for the Potash segment. The company’s cost-saving initiatives are expected to achieve $200 million of savings in 2025, ahead of the initial target of 2026. During the first nine months of 2024, Nutrien generated $582 million in net earnings and an adjusted EBITDA of $4.3 billion. Retail adjusted EBITDA grew to $1.4 billion, driven by higher product margins in North America. However, lower net selling prices resulted in a dip in adjusted EBITDA for the Potash and Nitrogen segments. Nutrien commenced share repurchases during Q3, buying back 1.5 million shares valued at around $75 million, reflecting the company’s dedication to shareholder returns.
Wall Street analysts are bullish on the stock, with a consensus Buy rating and an average share price upside potential of over 16%. Overall, Nutrien ranks 4th on our list of the biggest agriculture stocks in 2025. The increasing focus on sustainable practices and innovative technologies among farmers to enhance productivity not only bodes well for the future of the agriculture industry but also presents an opportunity for organizations that provide these technologies to cater to farmers’ diverse needs across different regions.
