Farmers Feeling The Cost Of Fertilizer Across The PNW, Nation

Fertilizer to grain cost ratios are hitting historic levels, and one Senator is urging the White House to protect farmers and be flexible on fertilizer tariffs.  Iowa’s Chuck Grassley said phosphate and urea are eating away at farmer profits.  He said one key reason is war, which is limiting supplies from Ukraine and the Middle East.  But other factors are also at work.

“China has significantly reduced its phosphate exports," Grassley said.  "Here at home, there are still questions about how consolidation in the industry over the last 15 years will impact fertilizer prices.”

Potash, Phosphate, Others Are Critical

That's prompted Grassley to lean on the Trump Administration to move away from tariffs on imported fertilizer.

“Which resulted in an exemption for potash from the tariffs of Canada," Grassley said.  "I also joined some of my colleagues in a letter to Secretary Burgum, asking that potash and phosphate be added to the list of critical minerals.”

The Interior Secretary’s been moving on President Trump’s executive order to expand critical mineral exploration.

Separately, the House Ag Committee reported out legislation to reauthorize the U.S. Grain Standards Act and spur advancements in grain inspection technology.

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com