more transparent Fertilizer Markets? 2026 signaling a correction
The bipartisan Fertilizer Research Act was introduced to the Senate this year in September, directing the USDA to publish a report on the U.S. fertilizer industries size and scope, impacts influencing pricing, and importations of fertilizers, among other things. A companion bill has now been added to the Act, sponsored by a congresswoman from Illinois. The goal is to provide U.S. farmers with more clarity of the fertility market regarding fertilizer costs and supply.
“Fertilizer remains one of the highest and most unpredictable input costs for farmers, yet we lack the transparency to fully understand what drives those fluctuations. The Fertilizer Research Act is an important step toward greater accountability in the industry and will provide farmers with the clarity needed to better manage fertilizer cost.” – Tom Adam, Iowa Soybean Association President
If passed, the legislation would require the USDA to conduct a study on the competition and trends in the fertilizer market, their subsequent impact on fertility prices, and then provide a comprehensive report of the agency’s finding for public distribution. The study would examine:
• Market competition and trends
• Impact of trends on fertility prices
• Size and value of the U.S. market over the previous 25 years
• Impact of anti-dumping and countervailing duties on retail fertility prices
• Assessment of market concentration and the regulatory environment
• Emerging fertilizer technology
The Secretary of Agriculture (Brooke Rollins) in cooperation with the Economic Research Service would be required to issue such a report on the USDA’s website regarding the fertilizer industry, within one year of the bill’s passage.
The legislation is endorsed by the National Corn Growers Association, American Soybean Association, National Farmers Union, and American Farm Bureau Federation.
The Windshield's Bigger than the Rearview
Agriculture outlook for 2026 signals a correction, not collapse, as producers re-center around new realities. Crop yield projections for next year are just that, projections. Predicting what the weather will do is about as safe of a bet as hitting on a 16 in blackjack while the dealer’s showing a king; and winning the hand. As with any cropping season, there will be outside factors that we have little to no control over. Regardless, we keep marching forward. Our agronomy team understands these challenges, and wants to help our local producers be profitable in this upcoming growing season. Let us help you make it possible!
“The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty.”
Winston Churchill
