A new economic analysis released today by researchers at Texas A&M University has corn growers raising concerns that pending tariffs on nitrogen fertilizers will create shortages and cause prices to increase even more for farmers, according to the National Corn Growers Association.

You can produce well over 1 bushel of corn for every pound of nitrogen applied in some years. Yet in other years, it may take over a pound of commercial nitrogen per bushel. Wouldn’t it be great if you knew what it would take this year? With super-high nitrogen prices and hiccups in the supply chain, this is the year when making the most of every pound applied may be the difference between losing money, breaking even or turning a profit.

Corn farmers who split-apply nitrogen now have another option for insurance coverage. USDA's Risk Management Agency announced the details of its Post Application Coverage Endorsement (PACE) in certain states for non-irrigated corn, providing coverage for producers who use this practice. Split-applying nitrogen saves producers money and is considered better for natural resources.

Leaders from the National Corn Growers Association and its state affiliates sent a letter to one of the nation’s largest fertilizer producers taking to task the tariffs that were imposed in March at the request of the fertilizer company. Fertilizer prices have since skyrocketed, and NCGA continues to make noise about the fertilizer market situation.

Since 2020, all nitrogen fertilizers are now more than double in price: anhydrous is up by 131% and urea by 110%. Potash is up by 120%.

The substantial run-up in fertilizer prices seems to discourage corn plantings next season.

But don’t look for a big switch to soybeans just yet. The economics of crop production actually favor corn over soybeans across the state, according to University of Illinois ag economists

Corn growers showed the amazing possibilities open to agriculture with the use of modern seed varieties, advanced production techniques and innovative growing practices this year as David Hula topped the 600 bushel-per-acre mark again this year in NCGA's National Corn Yield Contest. Hula, of Charles City, Virginia, repeated his accomplishment and produced the highest yield in the contest with 602.1694 bushels per acre. These great yields, which have been achieved nationwide despite many challenges, reflect farmers' resilience and deep dedication to continuous improvement.

Ron Heiniger encourages farmers who are considering giving up on planting corn next year due to astronomical fertilizer prices to think again, as long as they can pencil in a good yield.

Speaking at a Nov. 5 Zoom meeting, “Utilizing Fertilizers More Efficiently,” Heiniger, North Carolina State University Extension corn specialist said even in a scenario where there is a 230% increase in nitrogen costs in 2022, corn at good yields remains competitive compared to soybeans or grain sorghum.