OMAHA (DTN) -- A new survey released April 8 shows corn farmers in the United States face growing uncertainty around fertilizer affordability and access, with concern mounting well beyond the current planting season.

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) said in a news release Wednesday that findings from two nationwide surveys conducted in late March reveal that while many growers secured fertilizer supplies for the 2026 crop before recent global disruptions intensified, anxiety about fertilizer pricing and availability is rapidly accelerating -- particularly for the 2027 crop year.

"Fertilizer prices were high even before the war in Iran began," said Jed Bower, Ohio farmer and NCGA president. "Added market stress due to the Strait of Hormuz closure has only intensified an already difficult situation, particularly as we look towards 2027."

For every farmer expressing greater concern about fertilizer prices and availability for 2026, nearly two farmers report heightened concern for 2027, the survey found. This underscores that today's market volatility is already shaping decisions well beyond this season, according to NCGA.

Retail fertilizer prices rose following the onset of conflict in the Middle East, a critical hub for global fertilizer trade.

While fertilizer prices remain below their 2022 peaks, affordability has deteriorated because corn prices are much lower today. On a "currency of corn" basis, corn farmers now need about 185 bushels of corn to purchase 1 ton of urea, the highest level on record.

NCGA said, beyond rising costs, farmers are increasingly worried about whether fertilizer will be available when they need it. Global shipping disruptions and reports of curtailed fertilizer production in several countries are tightening supplies and heightening uncertainty across markets.

To make the current situation worse, two multi-billion-dollar fertilizer companies based in the U.S., Mosaic Corporation and J.R. Simplot, have pushed for the continuation of countervailing duties in phosphorus fertilizer imported from Morocco, resulting in higher prices and a stoppage of fertilizer shipments from that country.

NCGA said that while the near-term supplies for spring 2026 appear relatively stable for many producers, survey responses make clear that concern intensifies looking ahead. Fertilizer supply chains operate on long timelines, and disruptions today could compound into tighter supplies later this year, precisely when farmers begin securing inputs for the 2027 crop.

"Fertilizer purchasing decisions are forward-looking," the report noted, "and today's uncertainty is already influencing how growers view the risk of the next crop cycle."

To see the results of the NCGA survey, click on the following link:

https://ncga.com/….

DTN had its own unscientific survey from March 18-28, asking DTN subscribers if they had purchased their fertilizer needs. The results were included in this week's DTN Retail Fertilizer Trends column. The column can be read at: https://www.dtnpf.com/….

Russ Quinn can be reached at russ.quinn@dtn.com

Follow him on social platform X @RussQuinnDTN

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