U.S. farmers struggling to afford fertilizer amid Iran war

Key Points:

• Fertilizer prices in the U.S. have surged due to shipping disruptions from the Middle East conflict, causing farmers to face higher input costs just as spring planting begins.
• A recent American Farm Bureau Federation survey reveals that 58% of farmers report worsening financial conditions, with many unable to afford all the fertilizer they need, especially in the South, Northeast, and Western regions.
• Farmers like Lorenda Overman are adjusting planting strategies by reducing fertilizer-dependent crops like corn and increasing less fertilizer-intensive crops such as soybeans to manage rising costs.
• The timing of fertilizer price spikes, occurring right before spring planting, has forced many farmers to rework budgets and scale back acreage, raising concerns about lower crop yields and reduced production in 2026.
• The Farm Bureau plans to engage with the White House to seek additional support for farmers facing these financial pressures amid ongoing supply chain challenges and rising input costs.