By Blake Jackson
Kentucky Farm Bureau President Eddie Melton appeared before the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee to urge lawmakers to address rising fertilizer prices and the ongoing financial strain facing farmers across the country.
Melton, a fifth-generation grain and cattle producer from Webster County, Kentucky, testified during a hearing focused on fertilizer affordability and supply chain concerns tied to instability in global markets and conflict in the Middle East.
Melton explained that producers have been struggling with elevated production costs for several years, even before recent disruptions in fertilizer trade routes intensified the issue.
“Since February, we have seen a 33% rise in anhydrous prices, a 55% rise in urea prices, and a 25% increase in liquid nitrogen,” Melton said. “All the while, corn prices have declined from $7 per bushel in 2022 to approximately $4.50 per bushel today.”
Melton said the combination of lower commodity prices and higher input expenses has pushed many farms into a fourth straight year of economic hardship. He warned that shrinking working capital is limiting producers’ ability to manage risk and invest in future operations.
Referencing a recent survey conducted by the American Farm Bureau Federation involving more than 5,700 farmers and ranchers, Melton highlighted the financial challenges affecting Kentucky agriculture.
“In Kentucky, ‘just 29% of farmers reported being able to pre-book fertilizer with almost 72% stating they could not afford all the fertilizer they needed for this growing season,’” Melton said. “We know this is a direct result of rising fertilizer costs.”
Melton called on Congress to provide immediate economic assistance while also supporting long-term solutions such as expanded domestic fertilizer production and improved market transparency.
“The challenges facing agriculture today are the result of sustained economic pressure that is reshaping the farm economy,” Melton said.
“Ensuring that producers have access to affordable inputs and fair, transparent markets is critical, not only for their operations, but for the long-term stability of American agriculture and national food security.”
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Categories: Kentucky, Government & Policy