Key Takeaways
- The National Corn Growers Association conducted two nationwide surveys in late March 2026 revealing mounting fertilizer affordability and access concerns among U.S. corn farmers.
- Farmers now need 185 bushels of corn to purchase one ton of urea, representing the highest level on record according to NCGA's analysis.
- For every farmer expressing concern about fertilizer for 2026, nearly two farmers report heightened concern for the 2027 crop year.
- NCGA President Jed Bower, an Ohio farmer, highlighted that fertilizer prices were already elevated before recent Middle East conflicts intensified market stress.
- Two major U.S. fertilizer companies, Mosaic Corporation and J.R. Simplot, are pushing for continued countervailing duties on Moroccan phosphate imports, leading to higher prices and shipment stoppages.
NCGA Survey Results Highlight Market Volatility Impact
The National Corn Growers Association released survey findings showing U.S. corn farmers face mounting uncertainty around fertilizer costs and availability extending well beyond the current planting season. The surveys, conducted in late March, reveal that while many producers secured fertilizer supplies for 2026 before recent global disruptions intensified, anxiety about pricing and availability is rapidly accelerating for future crop years.
“Fertilizer prices were high even before the war in Iran began,” said Jed Bower, Ohio farmer and NCGA President. “Added market stress due to the Strait of Hormuz closure has only intensified an already difficult situation, particularly as we look towards 2027.”
Record-High Fertilizer Costs Strain Farm Economics
Retail fertilizer prices increased following Middle East conflicts, though they remain below 2022 peaks. However, affordability has significantly deteriorated due to much lower corn prices. Farmers currently need 185 bushels of corn to purchase one ton of urea, marking the highest level on record according to NCGA data.
