Is There a Milorganite® Fertilizer Shortage?

By Milorganite
April 2, 2024

Customer demand for Milorganite fertilizer continues to outpace production, and it’s understandable that customers are frustrated they can’t find their favorite fertilizer. Unfortunately, the supply-and-demand model doesn’t apply to Milorganite.

A Customer holding a bag of Milorganite Fertilizer in a garden center of a store.

Demand for Milorganite^_® Outpaces Production

It can be confusing that the supply-and-demand model doesn’t apply to Milorganite. It’s the model we’re all used to: demand increases, so production increases. But that’s not the case with Milorganite.

Decades ago, there were more industries in the area that produced large volumes of wastewater, including several breweries and a yeast manufacturer. Many of them left the area, taking their valuable “raw material” with them. Fewer water-based industries and less wastewater equal less Milorganite.

There is only a finite amount of raw material available that can be processed into Milorganite. Although more than 43,000 tons of Milorganite will be produced this season—about 2.5 million bags—it continues to fall short of customer demand.

Where to Buy Milorganite^_®Fertilizer

Use our store locator to help you find retailers in your area that sell Milorganite. The store locator does not indicate which retailers have Milorganite in stock. After identifying a retailer in your area, we suggest you check their website or call ahead to see if they have it.

As Milorganite's popularity has increased, “copycat” fertilizer products with similar names and bag designs are appearing in the marketplace. We apologize for any confusion; please check this video from "The Lawn Care Nut" to help identify the real Milorganite fertilizer.

Why Has the Price of Milorganite^_®Increased?

Milorganite is only sold wholesale, not directly to customers, and retailers set the price, not Milorganite. Some retailers are taking advantage of the current demand for Milorganite by increasing the price. They’re applying the supply-and-demand model at the retail level.

One way to ensure you get the best price is to take advantage of big-box stores' price matching. Often, you need to bring in your receipt, ad, printout, or photo of the lower-priced product. Check the retailer’s website for price-matching requirements.

Learn how we make Milorganite fertilizer in this video.

The Sustainable and Cost-Effective Solution of Making Milorganite^_®

The Metropolitan Milwaukee Sewerage District (MMSD), the producer of Milorganite, doesn’t profit by producing, marketing, selling, or distributing Milorganite.

Milorganite is a slow-release fertilizer that is rich in iron, and it is produced as a byproduct of MMSD's efforts to protect public health and the environment in the Greater Milwaukee region. Instead of dumping into landfills, this nutrient-rich wastewater is recycled into Milorganite, making it a more cost-effective and eco-friendly option. Producing Milorganite converts 43,000 tons of nutrients into useful fertilizer each year.