Agribusiness
COVID-19 disrupted supply chains. Now Illinois farmers face higher prices.
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Bottlenecks at ports and labor shortages are leading to higher prices for needed farming materials, such as fertilizer, pesticides and equipment.
Climate Change
IOWA’S TOXIC BREW: Coping with the climate-chemical reaction that can play havoc with drinking water
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In Iowa, drought — which is devastating to farmers — is intertwined with the flow of nitrogen — which is devastating to ecosystems and human health.
Environment
Fertilizer runoff disproportionately harms low-income communities’ drinking water. Treatment is expensive.
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Researchers are trying to find more cost-effective solutions.
Graphic of the Week
GRAPHIC: Seed and fertilizer make up more than half of the operating costs for corn and soybean producers
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Seeds and fertilizers make up 62% of the operating costs to produce corn and 51% of the operating costs to produce soybeans, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture data.
Agribusiness
Construction of Cronus fertilizer plant delayed as costs soar
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The construction of a major central Illinois fertilizer plant is further delayed and now projected to be more costly than originally touted.