JOHNSTON, Iowa — Corn grower organizations in three states are asking President Donald Trump to advance a federal investigation into fertilizer markets, saying high prices continue to strain farm budgets despite recent relief measures.
The Iowa Corn Growers Association, Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association and Texas Corn Producers Association sent an Oct. 27 letter urging the administration to support Federal Trade Commission enforcement against anticompetitive practices where evidence warrants action.
The groups acknowledge the administration’s efforts to assist farmers, including its recent diesel relief announcement. However, they argue that fertilizer expenses continue to offset those benefits and that limited competition deserves closer federal scrutiny.
Their request follows a December 2025 executive order directing the FTC and Department of Justice to investigate potential price fixing and anticompetitive practices in the food supply chain, including fertilizer markets.
Growers Point to Recent Price Quotes
The organizations cite fertilizer prices reported by farmers in Iowa and Ohio as reasons to move the investigation forward.
According to the letter, Iowa farmers received ammonia quotes approximately $150 per ton higher shortly after the administration announced diesel assistance.
Ohio farmers, meanwhile, reported phosphate prices just $5 per ton below the previous year’s level, even after countervailing duties were suspended.
Those examples form part of the groups’ argument for investigating market conditions. They do not establish that fertilizer suppliers violated competition laws.
Iowa Corn Growers Association representative Steve Kuiper, who farms near Knoxville, says producers need greater confidence that fertilizer prices reflect a competitive market.
Kuiper says farmers work to manage expenses and production risks, but their ability to earn a profit also depends on access to a transparent fertilizer market. He argues that rising fertilizer quotes following relief announcements warrant examination by federal regulators.
Letter Seeks Enforcement Where Warranted
The three organizations want the administration to back an FTC investigation that can lead to enforcement supported by evidence.
Their concerns center on market concentration and whether anticompetitive conduct is contributing to persistently high fertilizer costs.
The letter urges federal officials to move beyond expressions of concern and take steps that restore competition where violations are found. The organizations say farmers need to see their concerns addressed through meaningful action.
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