Assumption, IL (WAND) – As tensions continue in the Middle East, local farmers are feeling the effects, with fertilizer prices skyrocketing.

Jesse Boma, agronomy manager at Sunrise FS, said the price of anhydrous ammonia has risen $500 as compared to last year.

“Just to put that in perspective, let’s say a farmer goes out and puts 180 units of nitrogen on their field. Just that difference alone from last year to this year, that’s an additional expense for around $50 an acre,” Boma said.

Fuel and fertilizer prices have spiked due to Iran’s blocking of the Strait of Hormuz. Fertilizer supply chains are seeing reduced shipments of nitrogen-based products, phosphates and potash.

This is coming just weeks or even days before planting season starts for farmers like Len Corzine. Corzine said that although he has already purchased his fertilizer for this year, it could be detrimental for next year’s crop.

“There is a concern that if it continues, we will be purchasing fertilizer for the 2027 crop by the time we get to fall. I’m thinking, surely the way it looks, things will be pretty much settled by then,” Corzine said. “But it’ll take a while. The supply chain is something that just doesn’t get refilled immediately.”

If prices continue to rise, this could cause a problem in next year’s growing season and eventually affect consumers’ grocery bills.