Updated
Updated · DTN The Progressive Farmer · Jun 3
FTC Probes Fertilizer Industry as Anhydrous Prices Jump 44% From a Year Ago
Updated
Updated · DTN The Progressive Farmer · Jun 3

FTC Probes Fertilizer Industry as Anhydrous Prices Jump 44% From a Year Ago

2 articles · Updated · DTN The Progressive Farmer · Jun 3

Summary

  • Andrew Ferguson told more than 100 corn farmers from 18 states that the FTC has opened an investigation into alleged anticompetitive behavior in the fertilizer industry.
  • USDA data cited by Ferguson showed fertilizer has been farmers' biggest input-cost increase since 2020, while growers said a small group of suppliers has kept prices consistently high.
  • DTN's latest survey showed six of eight fertilizers rose from a month earlier, with anhydrous at $1,118 a ton, DAP at $914 and MAP at $953; urea fell 5% to $823.
  • All eight fertilizers were still above year-earlier levels, including anhydrous up 44%, urea 24% and DAP and MAP each up 15%, underscoring the pricing pressure behind the probe.

Insights

As fertilizer costs soar, can a federal probe actually prevent a surge in your grocery bill?
Who really controls soaring fertilizer prices: a handful of companies or uncontrollable global events?