KANSAS FARMERS AND RURAL FAMILIES FEEL THE SQUEEZE AS COSTS KEEP RISING
Higher input costs, trade pressure, and rising everyday prices continue to hit Kansas communities
TOPEKA, KS - Kansas families, farmers, and businesses are facing rising costs from every angle as higher fuel prices, tariff fallout, and broader economic instability continue to squeeze the state’s economy.
Republican candidates for governor are still backing the same economic policies that raise costs, rattle markets, and leave Kansans to pay the price.
This past week:
KANSAS FARMERS ARE GETTING HIT WITH HIGHER FERTILIZER AND DIESEL COSTS
Kansas farmers are facing higher fertilizer and diesel costs as the war in Iran drives up energy prices and adds more pressure heading into the planting season. One Mulvane farmer told KWCH that dry fertilizer has risen by $240 per ton since Christmas.
FERTILIZER TARIFFS AND RISING INPUT COSTS ARE ADDING PRESSURE ON KANSAS PRODUCERS
High Plains Journal reported that phosphate fertilizer tariffs added nearly $1 billion in costs for U.S. wheat growers from 2021 through 2025. The outlet also reported that farmers heading into spring are dealing with “multiple whammies,” thanks to the Administration's chaotic tariff policies and skyrocketing input costs.
KANSANS ARE STILL PAYING MORE AT THE PUMP
New Kansas gas price data showed regular gas at $3.27 as of March 27, up from the week before and 44 cents higher than a year ago. Diesel stood at $4.54, up 12 cents on the week and $1.28 year over year.
ECONOMIC INSTABILITY IS HITTING MORE THAN JUST THE GAS PUMP
Reuters reported that inflation fears tied to the war in Iran pushed the S&P 500 down about 6.7% in March and drove consumer sentiment to a three-month low, another sign that rising costs and economic uncertainty are hitting families, farmers, and the broader economy all at once.