Investigate Midwest (https://investigatemidwest.org/tag/fertilizer/)
The situation in Ukraine has already garnered action from the USDA — a $250 million investment in US fertilizer production.
“We import 80% of the fertilizer we use from outside the U.S. so the situation in eastern Europe will affect those supply chain issues around the world," one farm bureau representative said.
The USDA expects the prices to affect some producers' plans.
Bottlenecks at ports and labor shortages are leading to higher prices for needed farming materials, such as fertilizer, pesticides and equipment.
In Iowa, drought — which is devastating to farmers — is intertwined with the flow of nitrogen — which is devastating to ecosystems and human health.
Researchers are trying to find more cost-effective solutions.
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.
The construction of a major central Illinois fertilizer plant is further delayed and now projected to be more costly than originally touted.