Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Planting season is here, but Georgia's row crop farmers are facing a costly hurdle before the first seed even goes in the ground. Fertilizer prices have surged more than 20% across the board — and nitrogen, one of the most critical inputs for cotton production, has jumped a staggering 50%.
Reporting from Tifton, Damon Jones sits down with agronomist Doug Amarel to break down what's driving the spike — including disruptions tied to the Strait of Hormuz that are limiting fertilizer imports from the Middle East and squeezing domestic supply.
So how do farmers stay profitable when input costs are through the roof? Doug explains why it comes down to smarter management — not just cutting fertilizer, but cutting it wisely. From soil testing as the foundation of any nutrient plan, to splitting fertilizer applications to improve efficiency, growers are being forced to adapt their strategies for a challenging season ahead.
And with historically dry conditions adding another layer of uncertainty, the road ahead will require careful, flexible decision-making every step of the way.
Don't miss this in-depth look at one of the most pressing issues facing Georgia agriculture this growing season — only on The Farm Monitor.
🌾 Subscribe for weekly farm news, field reports, and agricultural insights from across Georgia.
Planting season is here, but Georgia's row crop farmers are facing a costly hurdle before the first seed even goes in the ground. Fertilizer prices have surged more than 20% across the board — and nitrogen, one of the most critical inputs for cotton production, has jumped a staggering 50%.
Reporting from Tifton, Damon Jones sits down with agronomist Doug Amarel to break down what's driving the spike — including disruptions tied to the Strait of Hormuz that are limiting fertilizer imports from the Middle East and squeezing domestic supply.
So how do farmers stay profitable when input costs are through the roof? Doug explains why it comes down to smarter management — not just cutting fertilizer, but cutting it wisely. From soil testing as the foundation of any nutrient plan, to splitting fertilizer applications to improve efficiency, growers are being forced to adapt their strategies for a challenging season ahead.
And with historically dry conditions adding another layer of uncertainty, the road ahead will require careful, flexible decision-making every step of the way.
Don't miss this in-depth look at one of the most pressing issues facing Georgia agriculture this growing season — only on The Farm Monitor.
🌾 Subscribe for weekly farm news, field reports, and agricultural insights from across Georgia.
