In response to ongoing developments in the Middle East, Ohio farmer and National Corn Growers Association President Jed Bower released the following statement:
“Farmers have navigated extremely high fertilizer prices for several years, and have faced sustained expensive input prices for the past four years. The uncertainty in the Middle East complicates this situation as farmers will soon be planting the second most expensive corn crop on record.
“While farmers source domestically when possible, the U.S. cannot solely provide for the fertilizer needs of corn farmers; imports are necessary. Unfortunately, some fertilizer providers have previously taken actions that blocked foreign suppliers from the U.S. market and only further exacerbated an already inflated market. We are fearful that additional disruptions to supply chains will justify price increases that will be expected to be borne by those already struggling under the weight of consecutive years of negative returns. We would welcome conversations with fertilizer providers on options to weather the current uncertainty in partnership with their most important customers.”
Read more here about the fertilizer supply risks of the ongoing conflict and enhanced uncertainty for corn growers.
