I think the future to stay profitable is going to be in the specialty crop, organic, etc.  Also will have to diversify into different crops.  Also will have to do most work in house, not hiring the co-ops to do it.  Will also need to seek out inputs from the source.  Going to have to get involved in tech so you can put the inputs where they need to be, such as fertilizer.  Some places may not need any, some may need a lot.  VRT on fertilizer, lime, seed, eventually chemicals etc will be a big one.  This may not be the future for ever, but I think in the near future and for a while this is what it's going to take to stay ahead.