Iran Ceasefire Holds as Energy Markets Stay Volatile

While a ceasefire remains in place, overnight missile attacks are raising questions about its stability.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — President Donald Trump is expected to discuss trade and the ongoing conflict with Iran during a Cabinet meeting at the White House today, after weather concerns forced the gathering to be moved from Camp David.

While a ceasefire remains in place, overnight missile attacks are raising questions about its stability.

Energy markets are reacting cautiously, with crude oil prices remaining below $100/barrel and the national diesel average slipping another cent overnight.

The pork industry says fuel and transportation costs tied to the conflict continue to pressure operations, though export demand has largely remained steady.

USDA trade data show that pork exports to several Middle Eastern markets weakened in March, with shipments to Egypt down 9 percent.

Related Stories
Export funding aims to strengthen global demand for U.S. commodities.
Dairy markets are improving, but large supplies still cap the upside.
Strong ethanol exports support long-term growth in corn demand.
Transporting pollinator colonies—primarily honey bee hives—is a major logistical operation in U.S. agriculture. Costs can vary widely depending on distance, fuel prices, labor, and timing.
Pat Hord with the National Pork Producers Council joined us to recap producer meetings in Washington and discuss key policy priorities including Prop 12 and agricultural labor.
Workshops give international bakers hands-on training with U.S. wheat products

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

ASFMRA’s Paul Burgener shares updates on the Hunggate Fire, Panhandle wildfire conditions, infrastructure damage and potential impacts to agriculture in the region.
The analysis models how trade disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz may continue to drive up the cost of fertilizer.
Rising input costs may squeeze margins and shift planting decisions. Scott Metzger with the American Soybean Association discusses fertilizer market pressures and what is at stake for farmers as planting season ramps up.
JBS representatives told Reuters that the original deal has not changed and that they welcome employees back to the facility.
Real Ag Radio’s Shaun Haney talks about astronaut Jeremy Hansen’s historic moment in space with NASA’s Artemis II mission, and Hansen’s connection to agriculture as the son of a Canadian farmer.
For agriculture, the meeting is seen as a potential turning point, with markets watching closely for any signals on trade, exports, and future purchasing commitments.