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.
Cold-driven spikes in gas prices can quickly raise fertilizer and energy costs.
February 16, 2026 01:00 PM
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Nitrogen and phosphate markets are tightening ahead of spring, keeping fertilizer costs elevated while crop prices lag.
February 13, 2026 08:00 AM
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Economists are also closely watching how policy decisions in Washington could influence markets moving forward. Analysts say deferred futures for corn, soybeans, and wheat suggest markets are operating near break-even levels, not at prices that would encourage expanded production.
February 02, 2026 12:13 PM
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The federal government’s status is far from the only factor moving the markets on Friday. Two critical reports released today on producer inflation and the status of the U.S. cattle herd are also top of mind.
January 30, 2026 12:51 PM
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Corn growers are turning to ethanol, E15 expansion, and export markets to help absorb record supplies and stabilize prices. Farm leaders discuss low-carbon ethanol demand, flex-fuel vehicle challenges, input costs, and the role of USMCA as producers look for market relief in the year ahead.
January 20, 2026 02:04 PM
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The “Wild, Wild West” of Taxes
January 09, 2026 09:00 AM
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