Fertilizer Costs Continue to Pressure U.S. Wheat Growers, New Report Finds

Rising fertilizer costs tied to tariffs are tightening margins for U.S. wheat growers, according to new data from the National Association of Wheat Growers.

BILLINGS, MONTANA (RFD NEWS) — New analysis is shedding light on how rising input costs—particularly fertilizer—are impacting America’s wheat growers and their bottom line.

According to new analysis of National Association of Wheat Growers data by Western Ag Network’s Russell Nemetz, tariffs on phosphate fertilizer have contributed to higher costs for producers, with impacts dating back to 2021.

According to Nemetz, the data underscore how elevated input prices are tightening already-thin margins across wheat country.

The report finds that higher fertilizer costs are not only affecting current profitability but could also influence future planting decisions as growers weigh input expenses against potential returns.

Industry leaders warn that U.S. wheat producers are facing increasing pressure to remain competitive in a global market where other countries may have lower input costs.

The findings also raise broader concerns about long-term sustainability for wheat operations, particularly if elevated fertilizer prices persist.

Read the full report:

Related Stories
Commissioner Sid Miller says productive farmland, water resources, and rural infrastructure are increasingly under pressure as data centers continue growing across Texas.
The Meat Institute says meat sales reached a record $112 billion last year as protein demand remained strong nationwide.
National Potato Council CEO Kam Quarles says potato wart could have devastating consequences for U.S. growers and export markets.
Congressman Mark Messmer discusses the Farm Bill, rural investment priorities, Prop 12, and support for farmers facing economic pressure.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

K-State’s Dr. Gregg Ibendahl breaks down the impacts of the Middle East ceasefire on energy markets and input costs, and what farmers should watch in the weeks ahead.
CME Group Executive Director of Ag Research Fred Seamon discusses the recent rise in farmer sentiment highlighted in the March Ag Economy Barometer report.
Catch the double-episode premiere of Prairie Prophets, Tuesday night at 9 PM ET on RFD Network and RFD+
Strong corn and China-driven demand support the pace of U.S. grain exports. RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney discusses Canada-China agricultural trade talks.
UNL’s Dr. Dirac Twidwell discusses wildfire recovery efforts in Nebraska and what producers should keep in mind in the days and weeks ahead.
Rich Nelson with Allendale joined us to break down early planting progress, market expectations, and what producers should keep an eye on as the season moves forward.
Agriculture Shows
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.