Iran War Raises Costs for Farmers
Published: Friday, March 27, 2026
Indiana farmers are used to persevering through hardship. They have to be, given how much of their livelihood depends on the weather. For generations, Hoosier farmers have adapted, managed risks and cared for the land, driving our economy and feeding the country and world.
Now, though, they face a new sort of crisis—one driven by irresponsible decisions in Washington.
President Trump's Iran War has disrupted fertilizer and fuel supplies coming through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global trade route. A quarter of the world's fertilizer and 20% of oil pass through it, so when conflict threatens, prices surge.
Following the destructive 2025 tariffs, the escalating war sends new shockwaves through the agricultural economy. Indiana farmers again face crippling costs, and just as planting season begins.
Fertilizer prices, already at record highs, spiked again. In just days, the price of urea fertilizer jumped from $475 to $550 per ton.
Fertilizer isn't optional. So when costs soar, profits disappear, putting family farms at risk.
Fuel prices are rising, too, making it costlier to run equipment and get crops to market.
The timing couldn't be worse. Spring planting will begin soon, and farmers are making their biggest financial investments of the year. There's no easy fix. Either pay more or risk lower yields. For family farms already battered by trade wars and tariffs, this can mean the difference between breaking even and losing money.
Indiana's more than 53,000 farms produce roughly $18 billion in agricultural goods annually. Most are family-owned. Last year, tariff battles cut Hoosier farmers' earnings by $1.1 billion in the first six months alone. American farms lost over 140,000 jobs in that same period, with Indiana among the hardest-hit states.
Trump promised a stronger rural economy. But instead of strong blueprints and stabilizing strategies, farmers received emergency bailout checks. With this new conflict pushing the cost of farming even higher, the Trump administration has proven to be an unreliable partner for Indiana farm families.
Last year, Rep. Rudy Yakym failed constituents by not challenging Trump's 100% tariff on China, Indiana's largest soybean market. He recently called Trump's escalation against Iran "bold and decisive." With all due respect, there is nothing praiseworthy about going to war without an objective, a plan or an endgame.
Hoosiers value common sense. We know that Washington never considered the impact on American farms and families. Yakym has now failed to step up and advocate for Hoosier farmers, not once, but twice. Unfortunately, farmers pay the price with higher co-op bills, more debt, and greater uncertainty.
It's not fair.
I'm running for Congress to put Indiana farmers first. As representative, I'll advocate for trade policies that expand markets, not restrict them; work to ensure stable supply chains; and prioritize diplomacy over conflict whenever possible. I won't gamble with Hoosier livelihoods.
Indiana's farmers, in good faith, have always done their part. It is beyond time for our leaders in Washington to do the same.
Return to Top of Page