POLICY WATCH
Farmers Struggle with Skyrocketing Fertilizer Prices
Farm Bureau economists found several elements are contributing to record-high prices including:
- Increased prices for raw nutrients including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium;
- Increased global fertilizer demand;
- Increased energy costs;
- Distribution and supply chain disruptions; and
- Trade duties.
“Rising fertilizer prices are a great concern for farmers across the country,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “The rising cost of supplies is slowing down the momentum America’s farmers were starting to build through higher commodity prices and increased demand for their products. Hard-working families must be able to do more than just break-even. We urge the Biden administration to look for ways to bring fertilizer prices down, which include resolving supply chain disruptions and removing import duties, so farmers can continue growing the food, fuel and fiber America relies on.”
The Market Intel found that compared to September 2020 prices, ammonia has increased over 210 percent, liquid nitrogen has increased over 159 percent, urea is up 155 percent, and monoammonium phosphate (MAP) has increased 125 percent, while diammonium phosphate (DAP) is up over 100% and potash has risen above 134 percent.
Ag Friendly Candidates Needed as Election Filing to Begin
Today, more than ever, it’s important for elected officials to understand the importance of agriculture and have an appreciation for the role farmers and ranchers play in not just providing food, but in supporting our local, state, and national economies. That’s why the Nebraska Farm Bureau’s Political Action Committee (NEFB-PAC) exists. NEFB-PAC is asking members to help with surfacing and recruiting candidates. Potential 2022 races for NEFB-PAC involvement include:
- Constitutional Offices
- Federal Offices
- Non-Constitutional Offices
- Local Races
Candidate filing begins Jan. 5. The filing deadlines for candidates to appear on the primary election ballot are Feb. 15 for incumbents and March 1 for non-incumbents. If you would like more specific information about the seats that are open or if you have any questions regarding finding agriculture friendly candidates to run for office, please contact Jay Ferris at (402) 421-4409 or email him at jayf@nefb.org.
Policy Work Continues in Washington, D.C.
Nebraska Farm Bureau president Mark McHargue spent time in Washington, D.C. this week working on policy issues with American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), as well as meeting with elected representatives. Among the issues talked about was the need for cybersecurity. McHargue communicated to AFBF policies adopted by delegates at the Nebraska Farm Bureau Annual Meeting and Convention to invest in the infrastructure needed to defend against cyber-attacks and encouraging the U.S. government to work across agencies to protect the country and businesses. Watch the video update from Mark for more information.
