North Dakota Farmers Brace for Planting Season Amid Soaring Fertilizer Costs

Growers adjust strategies to manage price hikes of up to 60% for key crop inputs

Mar. 27, 2026 at 5:06pm

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Farmers in North Dakota are preparing for the upcoming planting season, but they are facing significant challenges this year, particularly with skyrocketing fertilizer prices. Some growers have adapted by booking fertilizer supplies early to lock in lower rates, while others are diversifying their crop mixes to mitigate the impact of the cost increases.

Why it matters

The steep rise in fertilizer prices is putting immense financial pressure on farmers, who operate on tight profit margins. This could lead to reduced crop yields, higher food prices, and potential disruptions to the regional agricultural supply chain if growers are unable to afford essential inputs for planting.

The details

Drew Petersen, a farmer in Washburn, North Dakota, was able to book his fertilizer early at $520 per ton. However, he notes that others in the area are now facing prices as high as $835 per ton - a nearly 60% increase. To adapt, Petersen is planting a more diverse array of crops this year, including corn, spring wheat, soybeans, fennel beans, and canola, in an effort to spread out his risk.

  • Farmers in North Dakota are preparing for the upcoming 2026 planting season.

The players

Drew Petersen

A farmer in Washburn, North Dakota.

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What they’re saying

“I was able to book early at 520-dollars a ton but I am seeing prices in the area up to 835-dollars per ton for those who waited.”

— Drew Petersen, Farmer

What’s next

Farmers will continue to monitor fertilizer prices and availability as they finalize their planting plans for the upcoming season.

The takeaway

The surge in fertilizer costs is forcing North Dakota farmers to make difficult decisions about their crop mixes and budgets, underscoring the financial pressures facing the agricultural industry as it grapples with global supply chain disruptions and economic uncertainty.