Trending Now - US Farmers Concerned Over Fertilizer Costs Amid Iran Conflict

WHO:

Todd Littleton, Tennessee farmer from Gibson County

Zippy Duvall, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation

Harry Ott, cotton, corn, and peanut farmer, leader of the South Carolina farm bureau

Jacqui Fatka, farm supply economist for CoBank

Nancy Martinez, director of public policy, trade, and biotechnology for the National Corn Growers Association

Anne Villamil, professor of economics at the University of Iowa

Chad Hart, economics professor at Iowa State University

Brooke Rollins, U.S. Agriculture Secretary

WHAT:

Todd Littleton expects to pay $100,000 more for fertilizer this season, a 40% increase from his bill in 2025.

About 15% of fertilizer imports to the U.S. come from the Middle East.

Approximately 50% of the global supply of urea and 30% of ammonia come from the Middle East.

The USDA has provided more than $30 billion in additional aid to farmers since January 2025.

The USDA announced $12 billion in one-time payments to help farmers offset losses primarily due to tariffs.

Farm bankruptcies were recorded at 315 in 2025, a small percentage of the nearly 1.9 million farms in the U.S.

Tom Waters farms about 5,000 acres (2,023 hectares) of corn, soybeans, and wheat.

WHERE:

Bismarck, North Dakota

Gibson County, Tennessee

South Carolina

Port of New Orleans

WHEN:

The U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, 2026.

Fertilizer shipments from the Middle East typically take 30 to 45 days to reach the U.S.

The USDA's $12 billion payment is approximately $44 per corn acre, with an estimated production cost of $900 per acre for the average U.S. farmer.

WHY:

The war in Iran has led to a spike in fertilizer prices and availability issues.

The conflict has caused a slowdown in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, affecting fuel prices and fertilizer production.

Previous factors include the war between Ukraine and Russia, which blocked access to raw materials and increased natural gas prices, and China's reduction of phosphate exports.

HOW:

The Trump administration is increasing fertilizer imports from Venezuela to ease costs.

Farmers are advised to preorder fertilizer to ensure availability during the planting season.

(UPDATED March 18, 2026 13:29 UTC)

In a significant development for U.S. farmers, Todd Littleton from Tennessee expects to pay an additional $100,000 for fertilizer this season, marking a 40% increase from last year, largely due to the ongoing conflict in Iran that has disrupted supply chains. The USDA has stepped in with over $30 billion in aid since January 2025, including a recent announcement of $12 billion in one-time payments to help offset losses primarily caused by tariffs and rising costs. To mitigate these challenges, the Trump administration is boosting fertilizer imports from Venezuela, while farmers are being advised to preorder supplies to ensure availability as the planting season approaches.