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Farmers cautious on input price relief amid Middle East developments

Some farmers say it’s too soon to know if a potential resolution to the conflict in the Middle East could lead to lower input prices.

Scott Gigstad of Kansas says the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz must stay in place for lasting relief. “Until something gets signed, and then is everybody in play going to abide by the rules? At least, this is a step in the right direction. We have to do that first. I think time will tell if this has some teeth in it or not.”

Missouri farmer Garrett Riekhof says actions speak louder than words. “Not just saying it’s open but having goods flow through there, then that’s one huge sign we’d like to see. Without normal markets, we don’t have normal prices.”   

Northeast Nebraska producer Greg Anderson tells Brownfield watching how price and availability of inputs will be impacted for the 2027 crop. “It’s just going to take a long time, I think, for logistics of products moving to get corrected to a point where we can once again put a pencil to the bottom line to say that this is going to work.”

Bob Metz in northeast South Dakota says the sooner there is price relief, the easier it will be to plan ahead. “Buying next year’s fertilizer isn’t that far away. We usually buy it in August or September. It would be nice to see that come down and give us an opportunity to lock in some good or better fertilizer prices. That’s the same way with fuel.”

On Sunday the United States and Iran announced that leaders of both countries would meet in Geneva, Switzerland, on Friday for an official signing ceremony.