AFBF - American Farm Bureau Federation

05/12/2026 | News release | Distributed by Public on 05/12/2026 15:17

Farm Bureau Leader Sounds Alarm on Fertilizer Pricing

The rising cost of fertilizer is squeezing the balance sheets of farmers across the U.S. Mike Davis has more on what Farm Bureau is telling Congress about the issue.

Davis: As planting season is in full swing across the country, fertilizer prices are burdening farmers and ranchers. Kentucky Farm Bureau president Eddie Melton spoke to the Senate ag committee Tuesday expressing his concerns.
Melton: [I] brought the message from farmers all across the country, and especially Kentucky, talking about fertilizer pricing and the availability of fertilizer and just where we are in agriculture, and I would almost describe it as a crisis right now, where we are with input costs in production agriculture and low commodity prices.
Davis: Melton says there are actions Congress can take to address the matter.
Melton: The first thing that I talked about was transparency in pricing, some kind of pricing mechanism, and transparency about where pricing is, and to help us make better decisions on the farm, and then we need more domestic production. There's no doubt about that. If we can make them here in this country, we need to do that.
Davis: He added it's important for farmers and ranchers to advocate for themselves with lawmakers and make their voices heard.
Melton: We as farmers, we need to build those relationships with our lawmakers, let them know who you are and what you do for a living, as we do in Farm Bureau fashion, you need to tell your story and get out and let them know why certain things, such as fertilizer, pricing and transparency is important to you as a farmer.
Davis: Find out how you can voice your concerns at fb.org. Mike Davis, Washington.

To view a recording of the hearing, titled "Perspectives on the Fertilizer Industry: Ensuring a Stable and Affordable Supply for American Producers," click here.

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