Rising fertilizer costs mean struggle for farmers and possible rising costs for consumers

Tools

Rising fertilizer costs mean struggle for farmers and possible rising costs for consumers

Evan White

Story Created: Jan 7, 2008 at 11:40 AM EDT

Story Updated: Jan 7, 2008 at 3:21 PM EDT

ORISKANY - There are a number of factors that are resulting in higher prices for products needing fertilizer such as cattle feed and sweet corn. The question is, how will the higher fertilizer prices affect consumers?

The higher prices mean that farmers will likely need to be more conservative with fertilizer they buy, and also keep in regular contact with suppliers who may be able to get them a better price now, versus waiting until spring.

The fields won't be fertilized anytime soon, but farmers will be paying more now than they have in the past. Cornell Cooperative Extension says suppliers are having a tough time setting a price for fertilizer for Spring since it's suring so much week to week.

The bad news for consumers? Your lawn fertilizer may cost more in the Spring, but there is good news for corn lovers.

"I think you are going to find that sweet corn prices, like all other prices are going to inch up, but not significantly," siad Jeff Miller with Cornell Cooperative Extension.

Fuel prices, worldwide demand for fertilizer, and increased acorage are being blamed for the higher costs.

Miller suggests farmers contact suppliers or pre-purchase fertilizer in order to save money.

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 500 Characters Left

Comments are moderated and will not appear on this story until after they have been reviewed and deemed appropriate for posting.

NBC-WKTV News Channel 2 and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.

Weather On Demand

Weather Radar
Icon
Current Temp 66 °F
Fair
Wind : From the East at 14 Gusting to 26 MPH
Humidity : 34 %
Pressure : 29.65" (1003.9 mb) in.
Wind Chill : NA °F
More Weather

On Demand

AP Video

Stock Quotes

Permanent Client link holder
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

The Italian Chef

The King of Wings - Pizza at its best!

What's On

8.00
monk
9.00
psych
10.00
law & order: svu