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
AFBF Economist Samantha Ayoub discusses the latest data on Chapter 12 farm bankruptcy filings and what the troubling trend signals for the farm economy. At the same time, bigger loans and higher rates are squeezing working capital and increasing financial risk.
Corn demand remains supportive, but weaker soybean buying limits overall export momentum.
Farm legal expert Roger McEowen discusses the EPA’s rescission of the 2009 endangerment finding on greenhouse gases and what it could mean for agriculture and rural America.
Chef and influencer Marcia Smart joined us to discuss Italian-inspired beef dishes, nutrition for active lifestyles, and how global events shape home cooking.
Farm numbers still favor small operations, but production, resilience, and risk management are increasingly concentrated among fewer, larger farms.
Agriculture remains a key drag on regional growth amid weak prices and policy uncertainty.

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:

Richard Gupton of the Agricultural Retailers Association discusses the EPA’s new decision on over-the-top Dicamba and what it means for growers this year.
Mike Spier, president and CEO of U.S. Wheat Associates, discusses the new U.S.-Bangladesh trade agreement and its potential benefits for U.S. wheat growers.
Gretchen Kuck of the National Corn Growers Association joined us to discuss the Ag Coalition for USMCA’s report findings and expectations ahead of the upcoming USMCA review.
The agreement formalizes coordination between the two departments to address security concerns affecting U.S. agriculture.
Kevin Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance discusses the importance of grain bin safety and joint efforts with Nationwide to provide farmers and first responders with access to critical, life-saving rescue tubes.
Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
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.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.