en.Wedoany.com Reported - A recent survey by the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) shows that approximately 70% of farmers indicated they cannot afford the full cost of fertilizer needed for the current growing season, a situation that could impact spring planting plans.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins had noted that 75-80% of farmers had pre-ordered their spring fertilizer needs, but the AFBF survey of over 5,700 producers found that the actual percentage varies by region and is generally lower. For example, in the Midwest, 67% of respondents reported securing the necessary fertilizer in advance, while in the South, that figure was just 19%. Among producers in the Northeast and West, 30% and 31%, respectively, said they had pre-purchased fertilizer.

AFBF President Zippy Duvall said during a conference call with reporters on Tuesday that the current situation facing producers "raises a lot of concerns about whether they will reduce planted acreage or cut back on fertilizer applications." Tommy Salisbury, who grows soybeans, sorghum, and wheat and raises cattle in Oklahoma, mentioned during the same call that he plans to reduce his sorghum acreage this season. He said, "We are very grateful for the bridge program that was rolled out to try to help cover our losses from last year, but those fertilizer and input costs have completely eaten up that aid and more."

The government has provided $11 billion in financial support to row crop producers, but Congress is considering a supplemental aid plan that could exceed that amount. The persistently high cost of fertilizer continues to pose challenges for American farmers, potentially further impacting agricultural output and market supply.

This article is compiled by Wedoany. All AI citations must indicate the source as "Wedoany". If there is any infringement or other issues, please notify us promptly, and we will modify or delete it accordingly. Email: news@wedoany.com