Nationwide Survey: Most Farmers Can’t Afford Fertilizer

An overwhelming majority of America’s farmers who responded to a nationwide survey say they cannot afford to purchase enough fertilizer to get them through the year. The percentage who pre-purchased fertilizer varies significantly by region.

Conducted by the American Farm Bureau Federation April 3-11, the survey shows 70% of respondents say fertilizer is so expensive that they will not be able to buy all the fertilizer they need.

More than 5,700 farmers, both Farm Bureau members and non-members, from every state and Puerto Rico took the survey. Farm Bureau economists...

Day 45 of Iran War: Oil Prices Surge Above $100 as US Tightens Control Over Iranian Gulf 

The United States said it will begin blockading all Iranian Gulf ports at 10 a.m. ET on Monday, tightening control over shipping in the Strait of Hormuz after talks with Iran over the weekend ended without agreement.

US President Trump indicated that US forces would intercept vessels in international waters that had paid what he described as illegal tolls to Iran.

Iran condemned the move as “piracy” and warned it could retaliate against Gulf ports, signaling escalating tensions with no quick reopening of the...

Import Cargo Volumes Face Headwinds From Tariffs and Increasing Fuel Prices

Import volume at major U.S. container ports is not being significantly affected by the conflict in Iran but ocean carriers are seeing a related increase in fuel costs that could eventually affect retailers and their customers, according to the Global Port Tracker report released today by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.

“Just because retailers don’t import a lot of merchandise from the Middle East doesn’t mean the U.S. supply chain isn’t affected by the turmoil there,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said. “The supply chain is global and disruptions anywhere along it can have ripple effects whether...

Day 38 of Iran War: Trump Deadline Looms as Strait of Hormuz Tensions Escalate

Tensions are escalating as the 8 p.m. ET deadline on Tuesday, April 7, set by US President Donald Trump for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, approaches, with the looming possibility of US strikes on key infrastructure intensifying the standoff.

In a post on Truth Social on Sunday, Trump threatened to target Iran’s civilian infrastructure if the strait is not reopened.

“Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open...

Day 34 of Iran War: US-Israel War on Iran Intensifies; Oil Jumps, Tehran Rejects Ceasefire Claims

The United States and Israel stepped up strikes on Iran, with reported casualties and damage across multiple areas, as Iranian forces launched new missile and drone attacks in response.

In an address on Wednesday, US President Donald Trump said Washington had “destroyed the Iranian military” and was nearing its war objectives. Trump also said Tehran had sought a ceasefire, a claim Iranian officials denied...

Day 33 of Iran War: US, Israel Intensify Strikes on Iran Amid Diplomatic Deadlock

US and Israeli airstrikes have continued across Iran, targeting industrial and civilian infrastructure, including steel plants and pharmaceutical factories, according to Iranian state media and officials.

US President Donald Trump, who is scheduled to deliver a White House address this evening, said the war could be wrapped up within two to three weeks even without a formal agreement. He warned he might reconsider America’s commitments to NATO if European allies do not play a larger role in countering Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz...

Retailers and Platforms Unveil Fuel Relief for Consumers and Drivers

According to Expana’s report Friday on the Middle East conflict, the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz continues to disrupt the movement of oil and fertilizer, driving up energy costs worldwide. 

In response, some companies are rolling out temporary measures intended to help consumers and workers manage higher fuel costs.

Subway, for example, will offer Sub Club members a free footlong sandwich with the purchase of another footlong from April 1 through April 28 at participating locations.

The deal is valid for orders placed...

Summer Waiver and Increased Urgency for Year-Round E15

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall called for EPA’s summer waiver to allow sales of fuels blended with 15% ethanol, or E15, to be made permanent amidst growing urgency and calls for the passage of legislation.

“Farm Bureau thanks Administrator Lee Zeldin and EPA for granting a waiver to allow E15 to be sold during the summer, but the time is now for Congress to make the availability of E15 permanent.

“Biofuels play an important role in meeting America’s energy needs and are a win-win for farmers and drivers...

Day 26 of Iran War: Oil Eases on Ceasefire Hopes as Diplomatic Signals Remain Mixed

The war involving the United States and Israel against Iran has entered its 26th day, marked by continued military escalation alongside increasingly frequent and conflicting diplomatic signals.

Airstrikes and missile exchanges persist across Iran, Israel, and parts of the Gulf, even as talk of negotiations grows. US officials have signaled readiness to escalate military operations while also leaving the door open to diplomacy. Reports of a potential framework to end the war remain unverified, though multiple outlets indicate that a 15-point proposal has been...

Day 17 of Iran War: US Allies Decline Trump's Request to Send Ships to Strait of Hormuz

On the 17th day of the US-Israeli war on Iran, Israel launched a fresh wave of airstrikes on Tehran. Iranian officials dismissed US claims of truce talks, emphasizing readiness to defend the country.

Amid rising tensions in the Gulf region, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says the Strait of Hormuz “is open, but closed to our enemies, to those who carried out this cowardly aggression against us and to their allies”.

US President Donald Trump is pushing allies to form a coalition to secure the Strait of Hormuz, while Japan and Australia have said...

Farmers Impacted by Fuel and Fertilizer Volatility

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall commented today on potential fuel and fertilizer supply issues following military action in Iran.

"We are hearing a groundswell of concern from farmers facing increased volatility in fertilizer and fuel prices, as well as some reports of companies freezing fertilizer sales, at a critical time with planting season coming into full swing. History teaches us that energy market shocks quickly reach the farm gate and countries in and around the Persian Gulf account for a large share of fertilizer supplies our farmers rely on, so it’s a serious issue. We’ve alert...

New Analysis Reinforces Urgent Need for Additional Farm Support

American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall highlights the urgent need for legislation expanding the bridge support program for farmers, reinforced by new analysis indicating the economic crisis in farm country is likely to continue this year.

“We are grateful for the aid Congress has delivered to farmers this year and do not take that for granted. But we are in an economic crisis, the likes of which we haven’t seen in decades. New Farm Bureau analysis reveals farmers are likely to face another very difficult year if markets do not improve. The sad reality is the climbing rate of farm...