Moroccan Phosphate Duties Raised Fertilizer Costs for U.S. Wheat Growers Nearly $1 Billion in 5 Years

National Association of Wheat Growers President Jamie Kress discusses how rising fertilizer prices pressure wheat producers and the Administration’s consideration of lowering duties on Moroccan phosphate.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS)Fertilizer costs remain a major concern for farmers, as global conflict and trade policies continue to drive prices higher.

Jamie Kress, an Idaho row crop farmer and president of the National Association of Wheat Growers, joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to discuss the challenges facing producers.

In her interview with RFD News, Kress explained how countervailing duties on phosphate imports have increased fertilizer costs over time, placing added financial pressure on wheat growers, and outlined contributing factors, including global supply disruptions and geopolitical tensions.

Kress discussed how rising input costs are influencing crop decisions and the broader ripple effects across agriculture. She also weighed in on the administration’s consideration of suspending duties on Moroccan phosphate, noting it could provide some relief if implemented.

Finally, Kress shared her outlook for the future and offered insight into the current conditions on her farm in Idaho.

Related Stories
Austin Rice with Specialty Risk Insurance shares guidance on handling storm damage, navigating the insurance claims process, and managing risk during a volatile planting season.
Eric Weaver with UNL joins us to share about a promising new HPAI vaccine, early test results, next steps in development, and its potential impact on the livestock industry.
California almond acreage tightens while pistachios shift into an off-year, shaping a mixed outlook for prices and supply in the tree nut market.
New treatments offer hope, but challenges remain for beekeepers.
Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities joins us to break down the latest USDA crop progress report, share insights from growers, and discuss how global factors are shaping planting decisions this season.
Growers are making progress with planting despite dry conditions.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins hints at new fertilizer plan while trade deals, soybean markets, and farm bill momentum drive ag policy discussion.
South Texas producers remain on alert as screwworm concerns grow; sterile fly efforts underway to prevent spread.
New farm bill amendment renames the 1890 National Scholars Program after Rep. David Scott, highlighting support for HBCU ag education.
Kubota Tractor Company President and Army National Guard Veteran Alex Woods discusses the company’s Military Appreciation Month initiatives and long-term support programs for veterans in agriculture.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold explains how springtime brings seasonal changes to agricultural operations and, with them, renewed concerns about safety, allergies, and mental health this week on Rural Health Matters.
ASFMRA’s Dennis Reyman joined us to discuss planting progress, crop trends, grain movement, and farmland market activity in Iowa.
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.
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.