Meyer: Fertilizer Is Not In Short Supply

Is there an actual shortage of fertilizer, meaning farmers won't get what they need for the 2022 growing season? USDA's Chief Economist says "no, not really".

"When I hear somebody say "shortage", I tend to think that means they're paying more than they want to pay for it."

Seth Meyer recently acknowledged that prices are soaring, but "...I think you'll be able to acquire the fertilizer you want, but it's going to be at a price that it's going to be a shocker.  I mean, relatively speaking to, perhaps, what you purchased it at last year."

He said that's due to a number of factors. First off, the price that it takes to make fertilizer.

"The number one input for fertilizer is natural gas; natural gas prices have made a heck of a run."

Meyer added fertilizer supplies are smaller this year. In part because of greater demand world-wide, plus, China. Meyer said the United States does not purchase fertilizer from China.

"But other folks do; it's a global market.  The Chinese have banned exports of fertilizer."

Which Meyer noted moves prices higher for everyone, customers and non-customers alike. But Meyer stressed American farmers should be able to track down the fertilizer they need for the season ahead.

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