From canola to hemp, recent history shows new crops only stick when margin and infrastructure line up for years—not seasons.

Nitrogen availability, root development and residue load determine whether crops stumble or race through June.

FTC chairman Andrew Ferguson announced a formal investigation Thursday into fertilizer pricing and market concentration, drawing a standing ovation from farmers representing 18 states.

From dropping phosphorus to switching from corn acres to soybeans, growers are navigating a difficult “recipe for success” as fertilizer prices remain high and grain markets soften.

Iowa-based Latham Quality alleges Bayer used predatory, anti-competitive tactics to monopolize the U.S. GE corn seed market and stifle generic competition to protect billions in “ill-gotten” profits.

California farmers warn a proposed nitrogen bill could drastically limit fertilizer use, expand reporting requirements and make growing crops like citrus, lettuce and pistachios nearly impossible.