The conflict between Israel and Iran could cost U.S. farmers when it comes to ordering supplies. Fuel prices are already under pressure, and one economist says the markets have seen some rumbles recently.
“Most recently in the last week, we’ve had, as you know, an escalation of tensions and military conflict. Israel, looking to take out the nuclear capabilities of Iran before they, God forbid, had produced a nuclear weapon. We’ve seen markets gyrate right and left on those energy markets, and oil prices have been moving up,” said Ken Zuckerberg.
Fertilizer could come under pressure, too. Researchers at the University of Illinois say recent action in the Middle East has taken out fertilizer production in Iran. The concern is that it will add to growing uncertainty around Chinese and Russian supplies.
Reliance on vegetable imports remains uneven, with domestic production still anchoring several major categories.
NRECA CEO Jim Matheson joins us to discuss rural electric co-ops’ push for expanded USDA loan programs, rising energy demand from data center expansion, wildfire mitigation and other policy priorities impacting rural power infrastructure.
Farmland outlook is tracking closely with producer confidence, investment appetite, and financial expectations.
Officials say the virus is not a food safety risk and does not affect humans
The Texas Department of Agriculture confirmed a New World Screwworm case about 119 miles from the Texas border, near Zapata, Texas, and north and west of the Rio Grande Valley.
Domestic demand policy may play a larger role if export competition continues to limit price recovery.
