The Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) commends Rep. Brad Finstad for joining South Dakota Congressman Dusty Johnson in introducing the Fertilizer Transparency Act, common-sense legislation to empower America’s farmers with clearer, more reliable information about fertilizer and fertilizer product costs – one of their most significant inputs. Specifically, this legislation would require the USDA to publish fertilizer prices weekly on its website, ensuring producers have access to timely, accurate market data. Sens. Amy Klobuchar and John Thune introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.

“Throughout the last several years, southern Minnesota farmers have dealt with the compounding effects of increased input costs, weather-related disasters, and stagnant commodity prices, squeezing their margins and making it harder to make business decisions. As a fourth-generation farmer, I know firsthand how unpredictable input costs can create challenges for farmers and producers,” Rep. Finstad. “This legislation will give farmers the transparency they deserve. By shining a light on price trends and improving access to reliable information, we’re putting more control back in the hands of the men and women who feed and fuel the world.”

MSGA Vice President Ryan Mackenthun (right) visits with Reps. Brad Finstad and Michelle Fischbach at the 2025 Farmfest.

In 2025 and 2026, high input costs and low commodity prices created significant economic challenges for farmers. As farmers prepare for the spring planting season, a sharp spike in fertilizer prices has created supply challenges and left producers in a financial bind. Since the end of February 2026, fertilizer components like urea have risen in price by 25 percent. Ammonia, phosphate, sulfur, and potassium have also risen sharply. Fertilizer accounted for a significant share of operating expenses for soybean farmers in 2025, and elevated prices continue to impact planting decisions and farm viability.

“On the eve of spring planting, Minnesota soybean farmers continue to endure serious economic headwinds, and strengthening transparency and competitiveness in the marketplace is a critical step toward addressing some of the challenges we’re facing, including the cost of fertilizer,” MSGA President Darin Johnson said. “As a family farmer himself, Rep. Brad Finstad understands that promoting domestic fertilizer production will help protect our producers and reduce our reliance on global markets. We are grateful to Rep. Finstad and his congressional colleagues for recognizing that lowering the cost of farm inputs will help improve the outlook for American agriculture, which is the backbone of our nation’s economy.”