American farmers have been hit with soaring diesel prices and rising prices for vital imports, including critical fertilizer, as a result of Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has strangled shipping traffic through the critical waterway in retaliation against President Trump’s decision to order U.S. military strikes in Iran that began on February 28.
Asked about the economic problems facing America’s farmers being exacerbated by the current conflict, Trump’s Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins admitted to reporters this week that “fertilizer prices are rising,” but said that “only about 20 to 25 percent of our farmers” would be badly impacted, asserting that the others had already “locked in” supply.
Instead, Rollins said: “Fertilizer prices are rising—and the Trump Administration is doing EVERYTHING to combat it. About 80% of our farmers locked in supply last fall. For those who didn’t, we’re working to keep prices reasonable and ensure they get what they need this planting season. We’re boosting supply, cutting barriers, and taking action NOW—with more to come.”
80%? Who is she talking to? No one in Arkansas… https://t.co/HxW0z2Kq3P
— Hallie Shoffner (@hallieshoffner) April 7, 2026
Farmers are reacting to Rollins’ statement with disbelief. Jeremiah Windell, Director of Commercial Strategy at Advanced Agrilytics (a company in Indiana that helps farmers “mitigate risk and optimize production through data-driven insights”), replied to Rollins: “80% locked in prices is BS. No way.”
Illinois farmer Zack Youngquist also replied: “Lol. 80%. Try 20%.”
80% locked in prices is BS. No way.
— Jeremiah Windell (@JeremiahWindell) April 6, 2026
Hallie Shoffner, a farmer in Arkansas who’s running as a Democrat for Senate to unseat MAGA-aligned Senator Tom Cotton, replied: “80%? Who is she talking to? No one in Arkansas…”
Indiana farmer Roger Greeson also replied: “Doing everything to combat higher fertilizer prices without ending the combat that caused said problem is futile, Secretary. Put price caps on domestic fuel and fertilizer prices, then I will believe you are doing everything.”
Doing everything to combat higher fertilizer prices without ending the combat that caused said problem is futile Secretary. Put price caps on domestic fuel and fertilizer prices, then I will believe you are doing everything.
— RogerGreeson
(@RogerGreeson) April 6, 2026
