Iowa farmers face rising costs and water pollution as fertilizer profits surge

Major fertilizer producers CF Industries and Nutrien saw their combined net earnings increase by 120% between the first quarter of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026, according to research from Food & Water Watch. While these companies have seen significant profit growth, Iowa farmers are facing rising costs for essential inputs.

The heavy use of nitrogen fertilizer is also linked to increased surface-water nitrate pollution in Iowa. This pollution creates health concerns and raises the operational costs for water utilities. Des Moines Water Works, the state’s largest water utility, reported that its nitrate-removal facility costs approximately $10,000 per day to operate, totaling nearly $2 million so far this year.