Kansas State University economist Gregg Ibendahl warns that rising oil prices are already pushing key farm input costs higher, and could add significant expense for grain operations this year. Ibendahl estimated that a move to $90 per barrel of oil would add more than $1 per gallon at the pump and $10,000 additional fuel to an average Kansas grain farm’s annual fuel bill. For context, the average Kansas grain farm spent about $30,000 on fuel in 2025, so that increment would be substantial.
Higher energy prices also push fertilizer costs because fertilizer production is energy‑intensive. Ibendahl’s analysis projects fertilizer costs could rise roughly 10% if oil stays elevated, which he said could mean about $12,000 extra fertilizer on average in Kansas this year. He also flagged nitrogen products in particular, noting that Anhydrous >$1,000/ton is a realistic possibility if current trends continue.
Ibendahl noted his assessment at the end of March after the recent geopolitical disruption in the Middle East, saying nitrogen prices are likely to remain elevated longer than earlier forecasts predicted. Many producers already have inputs secured for the 2026 crop, but those higher prices will be felt when they purchase seed and fertilizer this fall for the 2027 season, and Ibendahl cautioned that prices typically fall more slowly than they rise.
Inputs and timing
Fuel availability, Ibendahl said, should not be the primary concern because “the U.S. is almost self-sufficient when it comes to energy,” but higher prices will squeeze margins. Farmers facing tighter returns should review input plans, lock in prices where practical, and factor elevated fertilizer costs into their budgeting for next year. Those who hedge fuel or fertilizer, pre-buy, or shift application strategies may reduce exposure to further price swings.
K-State Extension entomologist Anthony Zukoff is urging wheat growers to scout fields closely this spring as dry, cool conditions have favored brown wheat mite populations in western Kansas and are moving into central areas. These mites are an early‑season pest of wheat and triticale whose feeding can mimic drought stress, producing yellow striping and dead leaf tips that can be mistaken for irrigation or moisture issues.
Brown wheat mite alert
Zukoff advised scouting during the warmest part of the day when mites are active and easy to spot as small brown specks on leaves. He warned that treatment decisions require care: mite populations often peak in mid‑ to late April and then decline naturally, and a single driving rain can sharply reduce numbers. Control options are limited and insecticides can harm beneficial insects, so growers should only treat when inspections show visible mite movement and significant leaf damage.
K‑State directs growers to the 2026 Wheat Insect Pest Management guide for specific thresholds and labeled products, and stresses that timing and local weather should guide any spray decision. In a separate supply-chain development, the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol announced on April 14 that Walmart has joined the program, giving the retailer access to aggregated, verifiable sustainability data from U.S. cotton growers and the ability to trace Trust Protocol cotton through its supply chain. Walmart’s membership complements other retailers in the program and supports its stated goals for sustainable sourcing and large‑scale land and ocean stewardship by 2030. Walmart will be able to track U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol cotton through the Walmart supply chain.
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