U.S. corn farmers are growing increasingly anxious about fertilizer costs and availability, with worries now stretching beyond this spring’s planting season and into 2027, according to new survey results from the National Corn Growers Association.
Released Wednesday, the findings suggest that while many growers entered the 2026 crop year with supplies largely secured, the outlook for the next cycle is becoming far less certain.
Two nationwide surveys conducted in late March found that most producers had already locked in at least part of their fertilizer needs for 2026 before the conflict in the Middle East and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz sent fresh shockwaves through global markets. Even so, growers reported mounting concern over both price and supply, with nearly twice as many farmers expressing greater anxiety about 2027 as about 2026.
Affordability has become a central issue. Although fertilizer prices remain below the record highs seen in 2022, lower corn prices have sharply weakened farmers’ purchasing power. On a “currency of corn” basis, growers now need 185 bu of corn to purchase one ton of urea, the highest level on record.
Nitrogen prices have risen especially quickly, and most surveyed farmers said they were seeing higher prices from local retailers.
“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.”
Availability is also emerging as a major risk. Disrupted shipping flows through the Persian Gulf, slower fertilizer production in several countries, and policy-related trade constraints on phosphate imports have all raised fears that supplies could tighten later this year. As a result, some farmers are already considering cutting back on fertilizer application rates this spring to manage rising costs and uncertain supply. Even so, the surveys suggest near-term planting plans remain mostly intact, with 80% of farmers saying their 2026 corn acreage intentions have not changed.
Click here to see more...