Iran war has U.S. farmers worried about the cost and availability of fertilizer

PBS NewsHour
by Jack Dura, Associated Press
March 18, 2026
2 views
3 min read

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The Bottom Line

Iran conflict threatens U.S. fertilizer supplies and could spike farm input costs this spring planting season.

How This Affects You

Food prices may rise as fertilizer shortages and price spikes squeeze farm margins during peak planting season, potentially increasing grocery costs for consumers.

AI Summary

U.S. farmers are preparing for potential disruptions to fertilizer supplies and price spikes stemming from an Iran war as the spring planting season approaches. Iran is a significant global producer of potash and ammonia-based fertilizers, making it a key supplier for agricultural operations worldwide. Fertilizer cost and availability directly affect crop yields and farm profitability, making supply chain disruptions a serious concern ahead of planting season. Farmers are already contending with volatile commodity prices and input costs, and any shortage or price surge could squeeze margins further. The timing compounds pressure, as farmers typically lock in fertilizer purchases during spring in preparation for major planting cycles.

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