Iran War Brings Fertilizer Supply Risks for Ag | Heat Wave in the West | Ag Supports 20% of U.S. Jobs
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Compilation of news from industry sources (March 27, 2026)
Following the start of “Operation Epic Fury” on Feb. 28, 2026, risks to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz increased sharply. This article examines the commodity market response in the first two weeks of the disruption and evaluates the vulnerability of the U.S. fertilizer supply to a prolonged closure.
A powerful and persistent heat wave is sweeping across the western United States, shattering temperature records and fueling growing concern among farmers and ranchers about what it could signal for the months ahead. From the deserts of the Southwest to the inland Northwest, the scope and intensity of this early-season heat event is turning heads. More than 60 daily record highs have already been set, with temperatures reaching levels far more typical of late spring or even midsummer.
The 10th annual Feeding the Economy report, a comprehensive farm-to-fork analysis of the entire food and agriculture supply chain, has been released. This year's report underscores the immense reach of the food and agriculture sector across the U.S. economy. America's food and agriculture industries generate more than $10.4 trillion in economic activity, representing nearly 20% of total U.S. economic output. These industries support more than 48.7 million jobs nationwide, including nearly 24.3 million direct jobs, demonstrating their importance to communities in every region of the country.
