Rising fertilizer and fuel costs are creating ripple effects across North Dakota’s economy, reaching far beyond the farm.

In this episode of The Backstory, reporter Michael Standaert’s latest story looks at how global disruptions, tariffs, and supply chain uncertainty are driving up agricultural costs at a critical time in the planting season.

Sabrina Halvorson speaks with economist John Bitzan of the Challey Institute for Global Innovation and Growth at North Dakota State University about what those pressures mean beyond the farm. He explains how reduced farm spending can ripple through equipment dealers, retailers, and local businesses, ultimately affecting workers and families across the state.

"The farm economy is so intertwined in our entire North Dakota economy that it's going to have an impact on the state when farmers struggle," Bitzan says.

Bitzan also points to rising uncertainty as one of the biggest challenges facing producers. With fertilizer prices increasing sharply and equipment purchases declining nationwide, farmers are making cautious decisions that can slow economic activity across multiple industries.

Those ripple effects can influence everything from local employment to state tax revenue, making agricultural stability a statewide concern.