USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden Meets with Farmers to Discuss Input Costs

USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden Meets with Farmers to Discuss Input Costs

USDA Deputy Secretary Vaden heard directly from 170 farmers from 13 states in Ogden, Iowa today about the current pressures farmers are facing, including rising fertilizer costs and uncertainty on fertilizer availability for next growing season.

“I’m here because I care about this issue and we are working to bring actions down the pike that will seek to shine a light on what’s been going on in the fertilizer market,” Deputy Secretary Vaden said.

Pat Clements, Kentucky farmer and agriculture professional, participated on a panel discussion on the topic.

Farmers with information about unfair fertilizer practices or pricing can visit savefamilyfarms.us to confidentially participate in the Federal Trade Commission investigation. Firsthand experiences from farmers will be critical as investigations move forward.  

KY Small Grains thanks the Iowa Corn Growers Association for hosting the “Fed Up” fertilizer hearing. The event was made possible by the Colorado Corn Council, Georgia Corn Growers Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, IL Corn, Kansas Corn, Kansas Wheat, Kentucky Corn, Michigan Corn, Minnesota Corn, Missouri Corn, Nebraska Corn Growers Association, North Dakota Corn Growers Association, Ohio Corn & Wheat, South Carolina Corn and Soybean Association, South Dakota Corn Utilization Council, South Dakota Wheat Growers Association, Texas Corn Producers, and Wisconsin Corn.