By Andi Anderson
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) are working together to address rising agricultural input costs.
A new memorandum of understanding enables the DOJ’s antitrust division to review competitive conditions in the agricultural marketplace. The joint goal is to protect farmers and ranchers from the burden of volatile costs on essential goods such as fertilizer, seed, fuel, feed, and equipment.
Speaking at the Agriculture Outlook Forum in Kansas City, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins explained that the DOJ will focus on antitrust enforcement to ensure fair competition. She noted that input prices remain a major challenge for U.S. farmers, who are also pressured by low crop prices and trade disruptions.
Recent reports highlight fertilizer as one of the most concerning costs. Much of U.S. fertilizer production occurs overseas, raising fears of foreign influence on supply and pricing. Concerns over market concentration have also grown.
A USDA study in 2023 found that just two companies supplied nearly 72% of corn seed used by U.S. farmers.
Political leaders and grower groups have voiced their support for increased scrutiny. Bipartisan efforts, led by Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Senator Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, call for closer examination of pricing practices and industry consolidation.
Corn grower groups in major producing states such as Iowa have also urged federal action on fertilizer costs.
At the same time, operating expenses for future crops are projected to climb. According to Terrain Ag, operating costs for 2026 corn and soybeans are expected to be higher than in 2025.
Fertilizer, chemicals, and repairs could rise due to both global factors and tariff impacts. Projections estimate operating costs 4% higher for corn and 6% higher for soybeans in 2026.
Overall, the joint USDA–DOJ initiative aims to bring relief to producers by ensuring competitive markets, while farmers continue to manage the challenge of higher input costs.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Illinois, Government & Policy