Expect fertilizer prices to climb this fall, Sen. Grassley warns

Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says fertilizer costs are top of mind for many farmers across the United States. He worries about consolidation, and he also makes a prediction about what lies ahead.

“The issue will become even more acute in the fall as farmers look to purchase next year’s fertilizer. I’ll continue pushing for the Administration to keep farmer input costs in mind.”

Grassley says there are a number of reasons farmers are worried about these costs, citing geopolitical issues, like the war in Ukraine and a drop in phosphate exports from China. Despite all of that, retail prices have stayed steady in the short term and remain below last year’s range.

Analysts with DTN say prices for all eight major fertilizer types were mostly flat last week, but seven are now higher than this time last year. Urea prices have climbed 32 percent over the past year. UAN-32 is up 30 percent, while UAN-28 is up 23 percent. Potash is the only fertilizer lower this year and about five percent below last summer.

Related Stories
As farmers and ranchers navigate rising input costs, lawmakers are considering a roughly $15 billion aid package to help, which would be tied to the spending bill for the war with Iran.
Reported results include stronger in-season nitrogen response, average yield gains of more than seven bushels per acre and more than $18 per acre in net return.
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney explains how conflict in the Middle East is affecting spring planting as farmers navigate the evolving situation.
The Mosaic Company’s Keith Byerly shares smart input investment strategies, fertilizer considerations, and ways growers can manage risk heading into the 2026 growing season.
Energy risks could reshape global ag trade flows.
Geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz disrupt fertilizer shipments, raising costs and creating uncertainty for U.S. farmers ahead of planting season.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

ASFMRA’s Tony Toso joins us with an update on California farmland values, ongoing market uncertainty, and key discussions shaping agriculture in the Golden State.
Dr. Gold encouraged farmers and ranchers to prioritize eye safety in their daily routines, offering his expertise to help reduce risks on this week’s Rural Health Matters.
Dave Duquette, founder of Western Justice, joined us to discuss wolf management, rancher concerns, efforts to return control to the states, and his upcoming documentary, “Wolves: True Conflict.”
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, in consultation with the U.S. Department of Energy and under the Clean Air Act, approved the temporary measure to help stabilize fuel supplies and reduce costs for consumers.
AFBF Women’s Leadership Committee Chair Isabella Chism joined us to discuss Ag Day planning, community involvement, and supporting the future of agriculture.
EPA Administrator Scott Mason shares updates on farm equipment regulations, regional accomplishments, and federal efforts supporting agriculture in honor of National Ag Day.