A recent nationwide survey by the American Farm Bureau Federation found that 70% of responding farmers said they cannot afford to buy all the fertilizer they need for this year, according to an April 14 report.
The issue is significant as access to fertilizer directly affects planting decisions and crop yields. Rising costs may lead some farmers to reduce acreage or skip applications, which could impact food and feed supplies across the country.
The survey was conducted from April 3-11 and included responses from more than 5,700 farmers in every state and Puerto Rico. The results showed regional differences: nearly eight out of ten southern U.S. farmers reported affordability issues, compared with lower percentages in the Midwest, Northeast, and West. Pre-booking rates for fertilizer were highest in the Midwest at 67%, but even there almost one-third of respondents had not secured their needs before planting season.
The analysis cited ongoing geopolitical risks as a major factor driving up prices. “Spring planting decisions depend heavily on access to fertilizer and diesel fuel, both of which have been impacted by geopolitical risks that have disrupted global markets,” the Market Intel states. “Since the escalation of tensions in the Middle East, nitrogen fertilizer prices have risen more than 30%, while combined fuel and fertilizer costs have increased roughly 20% to 40%. Urea prices have increased by 47% since the end of February, marking the largest month-to-month percentage increase in the price of urea. These increases are occurring when many producers were already facing tight margins for many consecutive years.” The closure of shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz has further restricted global supplies.
Many surveyed farmers indicated they would delay applying fertilizer until later in hopes that prices drop during the growing season. According to AFBF President Zippy Duvall: “The skyrocketing cost of fuel and fertilizer is creating more economic hardships for farmers who have already endured years of losses. Without the necessary fertilizers, we’ll face lower yields and some farmers will reduce acres altogether, which will impact food and feed supplies. It’s too early to know how this will affect food availability and prices in the long run, but it’s a warning light that we’ve shared with leaders in Washington. We look forward to working with them to find solutions so farmers can continue to feed families across America.”
According to survey results published by Market Intel Report, nearly all respondents—94%—said their financial situation had either worsened or stayed about the same since last year.
In Idaho specifically, many leaders within its Farm Bureau Federation come from multi-generational farming families dedicated to agricultural heritage according to its official website. The Idaho Farm Bureau Federation supports members through annual dues that fund scholarships exceeding $255,000 according to its official website, educates over 41,000 schoolchildren each year through agriculture-oriented programs according to its official website, maintains ties with national organizations while preserving independence at county levels according to its official website, encompasses more than 92,000 member families—including over 10,000 actively engaged in farming or ranching according to its official website, and aims overall “to rally farm and ranch families” on key issues affecting education opportunities and community well-being according to its official website.
