A new nationwide survey shows that a majority of American farmers are struggling to afford fertilizer as costs surge ahead of the spring planting season.
The survey, conducted by the American Farm Bureau Federation between April 3 and April 11, found that 70 percent of farmers said fertilizer prices are now too high to purchase the amount they need this year.
The poll included more than 5,700 farmers and ranchers from all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
Rising costs are being driven by global disruptions tied to conflict in the Middle East. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has affected shipments of both oil and fertilizer, key inputs for farming.
According to the Farm Bureau’s Market Intel analysis, nitrogen fertilizer prices have climbed more than 30 percent since tensions escalated in late February. Urea prices have jumped 47 percent over the same period. Combined fuel and fertilizer costs have increased between 20 and 40 percent, while diesel prices have surged 46 percent.
“Spring planting decisions depend heavily on access to fertilizer and diesel fuel, both of which have been impacted by geopolitical risks that have disrupted global markets,” the group’s economists said in the report.
The financial strain is widespread. The survey found that 94 percent of farmers said their financial situation has either worsened or stayed the same over the past year. Only 6 percent reported any improvement.
Regional differences were also significant. Farmers in the South reported the greatest challenges, with 78 percent saying they could not afford enough fertilizer. That compares with 69 percent in the Northeast, 66 percent in the West, and 48 percent in the Midwest.
Pre-booking fertilizer supplies ahead of planting also varied by region. About 67 percent of Midwestern farmers secured supplies early, far higher than the South at just 19 percent. The West and Northeast reported pre-booking rates of 31 percent and 30 percent, respectively.
Many farmers say they plan to cut back on fertilizer use this season or delay purchases in hopes that prices will fall. That could have broader consequences for food production.
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall warned that reduced fertilizer use could lead to lower crop yields and fewer planted acres.
“The skyrocketing cost of fuel and fertilizer is creating more economic hardships for farmers who have already endured years of losses,” Duvall said. “Without the necessary fertilizers, we’ll face lower yields and some farmers will reduce acres altogether, which will impact food and feed supplies.”
The Farm Bureau said it plans to share the findings with policymakers in Washington as concerns grow about the long-term impact on food supply and prices.