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
The National Pork Board recognized John Parker for more than 40 years of advocacy and leadership.
Trade disputes can quickly reduce demand for key crops.
Seafood producers gain expanded access to USDA support programs.
CoBank Lead Energy Economist Teri Viswanath discusses their analysis of rising energy costs, rural impacts, and the outlook for fuel prices amid ongoing global uncertainty.
The analysis models how trade disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz may continue to drive up the cost of fertilizer.
National Land Realty’s Jeramy Stephens explains how rising input costs and economic uncertainty are impacting the farmland market and what landowners should watch moving forward.

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.
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.
Nebraska’s largest wildfire on-record has burned 650,000 acres, with three other major fires also burning across the state, destroying pastureland and threatening cattle.