Corn Growers Push Back on Costs

By Blake Jackson

Information shared by the National Corn Growers Association shows that American corn farmers continue to face rising fertilizer costs and tight profit margins. Growers are dealing with expensive inputs while trying to remain competitive during another difficult season.

Current global tensions and supply concerns are adding pressure to diesel fuel and fertilizer markets. As prices rise, many farmers say it is becoming harder to secure the products they need for planting and crop production.

Corn growers are now entering a fourth year of negative returns. Industry leaders say fertilizer costs have remained too high for several years. In response, the National Corn Growers Association has worked with lawmakers and federal officials to improve domestic production, expand trade demand, and study the causes of high input prices.

The group says one major concern involves phosphate fertilizer duties placed on imports from Morocco in 2020. Leaders believe these tariffs reduced supply options and increased costs for farmers. Reports estimate that growers paid billions of dollars more for fertilizer from 2021 through 2025 after supply chains changed.

NCGA says it is again pressing the U.S. International Trade Commission during its current review of those duties. The organization is asking officials to remove the tariffs and improve competition in fertilizer markets.

The group has also urged major fertilizer companies to help address higher prices. At the same time, members of Congress are becoming more involved by proposing bills that increase fertilizer price transparency and encourage more diverse domestic production.

Federal officials are also reviewing fertilizer market conditions and have already exempted some important fertilizer imports from other tariffs. These steps are viewed as progress for growers seeking relief.

NCGA says fair, transparent, and competitive input markets remain necessary to restore profitability for corn farmers. The organization also encourages growers to contact congressional leaders and support state corn grower groups.

Industry leaders add that agricultural companies should succeed, but not at the expense of farm families working to remain profitable.

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