Nationwide survey: Most farmers can't afford fertilizer

An overwhelming majority of America's farmers who responded to a nationwide survey say they cannot afford to purchase enough fertilizer to get them through the year. The percentage who pre-purchased fertilizer varies significantly by region.

Conducted by the American Farm Bureau Federation April 3-11, the survey shows 70% of respondents say fertilizer is so expensive that they will not be able to buy all the fertilizer they need.

More than 5,700 farmers from every state and Puerto Rico took the survey. South Dakota Farm Bureau Federation distributed the survey to South Dakota producers and encouraged participation. The results from South Dakota's farmers aligned with the results of the other Midwest region states.

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The analysis reveals that almost 8 in 10 farmers in the southern U.S. say they can't afford all needed supplies this year, followed by the Northeast and West at 69% and 66%, respectively, compared to 48% of the farmers in the Midwest.

Just 19% of farmers in the South prebooked fertilizer purchases in advance of planting season. In the Northeast, only 30% of farmers prebooked, followed by 31% in the West, and 67% in the Midwest. Even with higher pre-booking rates, almost one in three Midwestern farmers still report entering the season without securing all of their fertilizer needs.

"We invited South Dakota farmers and ranchers to participate in this survey because it is important to gather accurate information about the impact of skyrocketing fertilizer costs on American agriculture," said Scott VanderWal, President of South Dakota Farm Bureau Federation. "Farmers are preparing to plant their most expensive crop ever, and we need to do everything we can to support stable and affordable inputs."

The conflict in the Middle East sent fertilizer and fuel prices soaring. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is keeping critical fertilizer supplies and crude oil from reaching global markets, putting a squeeze on supplies around the world.

"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 Market Intel states. "Since the escalation of tensions in the Middle East, nitrogen fertilizer prices have risen more than 30%, while combined fuel and fertilizer costs have increased roughly 20% to 40%. Urea prices have increased by 47% since the end of February, marking the largest month-to-month percentage increase in the price of urea. These increases are occurring when many producers were already facing tight margins for many consecutive years."

Many of the farmers surveyed said they will forego applying fertilizer this spring in hopes that prices will return to an affordable level later in the growing season.

AFBF President Zippy Duvall said, "The skyrocketing cost of fuel and fertilizer is creating more economic hardships for farmers who have already endured years of losses. Without the necessary fertilizers, we'll face lower yields and some farmers will reduce acres altogether, which will impact food and feed supplies. It's too early to know how this will affect food availability and prices in the long run, but it's a warning light that we've shared with leaders in Washington. We look forward to working with them to find solutions so farmers can continue to feed families across America."

According to the survey, 94% of respondents reported their financial situation has worsened or remained the same since last year, while only 6% reported improvement.

Get more survey results and read the full Market Intel here.