Around 70% of U.S. farmers report being unable to afford all the fertilizer they need, according to a Fertilizer Availability Survey conducted by the American Farm Bureau Federation of nearly 6,000 farmers and ranchers across the country. Fertilizer affordability challenges are most acute in the South and Northeast but remain a concern for farmers across all regions., the AFBF said in a release April 14.
Fertilizer pre-booking rates varied significantly by region, with just 19% of Southern producers reporting fertilizer purchases secured ahead of the season, compared to 30% in the Northeast, 31% in the West and 67% in the Midwest, reflecting differences in planting decision timelines and exposure to recent price increases.
Further, farm diesel prices have increased 46% since the end of February, raising costs for fieldwork, fertilizer transport and irrigation during both planting and growing seasons, according to the survey of more than 5,700 farmers April 3-11.
Nearly six in 10 farmers report worsening finances, reflecting rising fertilizer and fuel costs during spring planting and underscoring the urgent need for immediate economic assistance to keep farms gates open.
Rising input costs tied to the conflict in the Middle East are adding strain to an already challenging farm economy, said the AFBF.