Part 4/9:
Farming veteran Harold Beach, who has cultivated the land for five generations, underscores the crux of farmers’ frustrations. Currently, fertilizer accounts for nearly 40% of corn farmers' operating costs, a burden that has escalated dramatically over the years. Where fertilizer used to cost a manageable $80 to $100 per ton, farmers now face prices surpassing $700 to $800 per ton, reflecting the broader trend of market consolidation that has harmed agricultural economics.