Survey Says Fertilizer Struggles Continue Across Farm Country

By Marlee Jackson
(334) 613-4219

Over 300 Alabama farmers responded to a national survey analyzing American producers' access to fertilizer, with the overwhelming majority noting they cannot afford all fertilizer needed throughout the growing season.

Conducted by the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) April 3-11, more than 5,700 farmers representing every state, Puerto Rico and diverse commodities completed the survey.

Analysis shows 70% of overall respondents say fertilizer is so expensive they will not be able to buy all the fertilizer they need. In Alabama and the Southern region, that number reaches nearly 80%.

"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," AFBF reported in a Market Intel. "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."

Just 19% of farmers in the South prebooked fertilizer purchases in advance of planting season.

That dips to 12% in Alabama.

Many farmers surveyed said they will forego or limit fertilizer application this spring in hopes prices return to an affordable level later in the growing season.

Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell thanked members for their candor and quick responses.

"Leaders in Washington need to know the real difficulties farmers are having in regard to fertilizer access and continued price increases," said Parnell, who farms in Chilton County. "These numbers will help us achieve that."

Nearly 92% of Alabama farmers reported financial conditions are worse than or the same as last year. Nationally, that statistic reaches 94%.