The shortage started because of covid. Fuel, fertilizer, parts shortage, etc
Local custom beef farmer I know wrote a long article in the Indy Star in 2021 about it and said to expect this to be a problem for years.
It’s a long more than dry weather involved
... lot more
I just plain quit fertilizing it got so high. Have not pulled a buggy in 6 years now. The ground shows it too. It is a downward spiral and cuts into grazing capacity a lot. I pulled most cattle off and sold them. I won’t burn up my land I don’t need the money for that.
Last time I called Ted down at Coop to ask about fertilizer prices he first said, “Are you sittin’ down?” I quit after that. I still spray but not with Grazon, just not worth the money.
You are correct. My rancher friend basically quit and his neighbors quit using his land for summer feed as their numbers are way down. Several years now.
Covid the scam that keeps on giving.....ready made excuses for everything and anything.