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U.S.-Canada trade tensions raise potash concerns for Minnesota farmer

A central Minnesota farmer says escalating U.S.-Canada trade tensions are adding uncertainty to the potash market.

“We’re hearing potash won’t be one of the things affected,” Cordell Huebsch tells Brownfield. But he’s still on alert.

Huebsch says his irrigated dry bean fields will be short on potassium heading into next spring, and potash is one of the most expensive inputs on his farm.

“It’s already ridiculously high, and I’m worried it might go sideways if things don’t get squared away on the trade side.”

The U.S. and Canada are in a broader trade dispute as negotiations continue over the future of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

The U.S. has a 50 percent tariff on certain Canadian goods, including dairy, and Canada has responded with their own tariffs on U.S. dairy and ag equipment, among other items that are expected to go into effect next week.

Veronica Nigh with the Fertilizer Institute says longer-term concern could be warranted if tensions escalate.

“The ball is in the United States’ court. If we add additional tariffs, more action from us, it is more likely there will be additional action from Canada,” she says. “I don’t think they’re looking to limit fertilizer exports to the United States, but they recognize it’s a large tool in their toolbox.”

Nigh says every U.S. crop that uses potash benefits from the trading relationship with Canada.

Huebsch says he’s trying to get ahead of the situation. He raises dark red kidney beans, soybeans and corn in Ottertail County, Minnesota.

Hear Brownfield’s interview with Cordell Huebsch.

Hear Brownfield’s interview with Veronica Nigh.