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The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) has issued a stark warning to the White House, highlighting the growing economic crisis facing corn producers across the country. In a formal letter, the NCGA detailed how rising fertilizer prices, compounded by low corn prices and trade uncertainty, are creating a dangerous situation for rural America.
The letter states:
“Unfortunately, the combination of low corn prices, trade uncertainty, and consistently high costs for fertilizers and inputs, including relevant countervailing duties, has resulted in a calamitous environment for farmers who are trying to plan for harvest and next season. When imports are subjected to antidumping or countervailing duties, the resulting duty contributes to higher prices that are ultimately paid by farmers.”
At the heart of the crisis is the exponential rise in fertilizer costs, which the NCGA argues is being driven in part by antidumping and countervailing duties placed on key fertilizer imports. These tariffs increase prices at the farm level, affecting farmers’ ability to operate profitably.
“Fertilizers crucial to growing corn have become exponentially costlier. Phosphates have increased by more than 60 percent during the last decade.”
While input costs soar, the market for U.S. corn has continued to weaken. Corn prices have dropped 14 percent since the beginning of 2025, according to the NCGA’s data. This dual pressure is creating what the group refers to as a “calamitous environment” for producers—many of whom are already operating on tight margins.
The NCGA is calling on the Trump administration to re-evaluate trade policies and support American farmers by ensuring more affordable access to fertilizers and essential inputs. The letter also underscores the need for long-term policy solutions that protect farmers from market volatility and punitive trade measures.
As the 2025 harvest approaches, corn growers across the U.S. are facing difficult decisions about their planting strategies for next season. Without relief, many fear long-term implications for the nation’s corn supply and the broader agricultural economy.