Farm leaders press Congress on soaring input costs, crop losses

Farmers are facing unprecedented challenges due to record-high fertilizer and fuel costs, coupled with the smallest U.S. wheat harvest in decades, which is squeezing profit margins and leading to reduced planting. The South Dakota Corn Growers Association is urging Congress to implement policies that enhance transparency and competition in the fertilizer market. Additionally, geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, are driving up costs for oil and other commodities, further exacerbating inflation risks for consumers.