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Iowa Farmers Struggle as Fertilizer Costs Surge Amid War

4/4/2026

50 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The ongoing war in Iran has pushed fertilizer costs up about $250 per ton, with nitrogen fertilizers rising 20–50%, squeezing Iowa farmers this year.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration lifted sanctions on fertilizer sales from Belarus and Venezuela to ease the crisis.
Iowa farmer Jolene Riessen expects to lose about $58,000 this year due to high input costs and low corn prices.
Riessen anticipates selling equipment to stay afloat.

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Story summary

The ongoing war in Iran has pushed fertilizer costs up about $250 per ton, with nitrogen fertilizers rising 20–50%, squeezing Iowa farmers this year.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration lifted sanctions on fertilizer sales from Belarus and Venezuela to ease the crisis.
Iowa farmer Jolene Riessen expects to lose about $58,000 this year due to high input costs and low corn prices.
Riessen anticipates selling equipment to stay afloat.