NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — A ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran has been extended indefinitely, as Donald Trump allows more time for negotiations to continue. While some fertilizer shipments have moved through the Strait of Hormuz in the past 12 hours, analysts say it could take time before the critical trade corridor fully reopens.
In an exclusive interview with RFD News, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said the situation is reinforcing the administration’s push to boost domestic fertilizer production.
“But the silver lining in all of this is it really has shined a light on how important it is that we be able to produce this within our own country,” Rollins said. “Relying on other countries like Russia and China — and to a certain extent even Canada — is not sustainable. We will not be able to pass freedom on to the next generation if we’re relying on other countries for our food, for fertilizer.”
Rollins added that consolidation in the fertilizer industry is also contributing to the strain on producers.
“Twenty years ago, there were 30 companies providing fertilizer and seed — now it’s only a handful,” she said. “Some of those aren’t even American-based. We’re working to rebuild that infrastructure so future farmers aren’t facing these same challenges.”
Secretary Rollins is expected to travel to Missouri later this week and indicated an announcement on the issue could come soon.
Meanwhile, U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) is pushing legislation to increase transparency in fertilizer pricing.
In an interview with RFD News on Tuesday, Johnson said that better data and mandatory reporting would help producers make more informed decisions and deter potential market manipulation.
“Number one, it’s going to give producers the information they need,” Johnson said. “And number two, if you’ve got good, regular data, it’s easier to identify bad behavior before it happens.”
He added that expanding trade opportunities remains a top priority for farmers.
“The most important thing we can do is get more trade deals,” Johnson said. “Producers want to make money in the marketplace — not rely on off-farm income.”
Rising Fertilizer Costs Shift Planting Decisions for Farmers
The pressure from rising input costs is already influencing planting decisions across the country.
Midwest broker Sam Hudson says some growers are shifting acres away from corn and toward soybeans, particularly when fertilizer costs were not locked in ahead of planting. Analyst Jeremy Zwinger says he is hearing similar trends, with soybeans viewed as a lower-risk option due to reduced fertilizer needs.
“Soybean acres are going to be much higher than people realize,” Zwinger said. “People ran to it as a risk mechanism to lower their fertilizer costs.”
Still, Zwinger warns that the broader issue remains oversupply across major commodities.
“There’s just too much supply for probably five years,” he said. “Growers did their job — they’ve been very productive — but now they’re being pressured by the market because of it.”
According to the USDA Prospective Plantings Report, soybean acreage is expected to rise 4 percent this year, reaching 84.7 million acres.
Back in Washington, agriculture will be front and center in a series of congressional hearings.
Jamieson Greer is scheduled to testify before the House Ways and Means Committee, where fertilizer and trade policy are expected to be key topics.
Later in the day, Rollins will appear before the Senate Appropriations Agriculture panel to outline USDA’s budget plans. The administration’s proposal includes a 19 percent cut in USDA spending — just under $5 billion — as part of broader fiscal priorities.
As global uncertainty continues to ripple through energy and fertilizer markets, producers are watching both policy and planting decisions closely, with long-term profitability hanging in the balance.
Rising Fuel Costs Shift Consumer Spending Patterns Nationwide
Rising fuel prices are beginning to reshape consumer spending, with ripple effects that can affect demand across the agricultural economy. New data from Prosper Insights & Analytics shows households are becoming more cautious, even as overall spending remains active.
Consumer confidence dropped to 38.4 percent in April, down from the previous month, signaling growing concern about economic conditions. At the same time, nearly 60 percent of consumers reported noticing higher gasoline prices — a sharp jump from March — prompting more households to adjust their budgets.
That shift is showing up in behavior. About 36.5 percent of consumers say they plan to drive less, while a growing share report cutting back on grocery spending. Fewer households now say fuel prices have no impact on their spending, highlighting how energy costs are influencing day-to-day decisions.
Despite that pressure, demand has not collapsed. Spending plans remain relatively steady, with stronger interest in housing, vehicles, and home improvements offsetting softer travel demand.
