"Spring seeding is underway, and as farmers spend long hours in the tractor planting crops, they're facing hefty increases to the cost of diesel and fertilizer. They're also already concerned about the 2027 crop year, since many will be making large fuel and fertilizer purchases in the months ahead. Fighting in the Middle East has sent commodity prices soaring. As the conflict stretches into its third month, nitrogen-fertilizer prices remain sky-high, while the cost of diesel fuel for tractors and other farm machinery continues to cut into the profits farmers hope to make on their summer crops."
"Along with the usual spring optimism, there is anxiety about the rising financial pressure as fertilizer, fuel and freight costs continue to climb. "I can maybe put a little less fertilizer on this year," said Newman. Instead, he's looking elsewhere to control costs. "We're probably not buying as much machinery this year," he said. "We're just holding tight.""
"Many farmers bought their fertilizer before the price spike, which is why steep fertilizer costs could have a much larger impact on what crops are planted in 2027. In particular, Newman warns many farmers could be forced to seed fewer canola acres next year. Crops such as corn and canola require high amounts of nitrogen-based fertilizer, while farmers typically don't use any when growing peas, lentils or fava"
Spring seeding is underway as farmers face higher diesel and fertilizer costs that cut into expected profits. Commodity prices have risen due to fighting in the Middle East, keeping nitrogen fertilizer prices very high. Diesel costs for tractors and farm machinery continue to increase, adding to overall expenses. Leroy Newman, a fourth-generation farmer near Blackie, Alberta, is planting wheat, barley, peas, and canola on more than 1,600 hectares. After strong conditions in 2025, he is now concerned about rising financial pressure. He considers using less fertilizer and delaying machinery purchases. Farmers also worry about 2027 because many fertilizer purchases occur months ahead, and high costs could force fewer canola acres to be seeded next year.
#spring-seeding #diesel-and-fuel-costs #nitrogen-fertilizer-prices #canola-acreage #commodity-prices
Read at www.cbc.ca
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