Story perspectives

Fertilizer Crisis Hits Farmers Amid Russia-Ukraine Conflict

4/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

Jeff Winton, a dairy farmer in upstate New York, ceased planting corn in 2022 due to fertilizer prices tied to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The Russia-Ukraine conflict disrupted essential fertilizer exports, worsening conditions for American farmers facing rising bankruptcies and declining incomes.
The ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has further strained fertilizer trade by affecting the Strait of Hormuz, described by Winton as a "perfect storm."

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Story summary

Jeff Winton, a dairy farmer in upstate New York, ceased planting corn in 2022 due to fertilizer prices tied to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The Russia-Ukraine conflict disrupted essential fertilizer exports, worsening conditions for American farmers facing rising bankruptcies and declining incomes.
The ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has further strained fertilizer trade by affecting the Strait of Hormuz, described by Winton as a "perfect storm."