The Fox News Rundown From Washington: Hormuz Havoc Hits the Heartland
Apr 4, 2026
Shannon Bream, court reporter and anchor, explains the fallout from Pam Bondi’s firing and describes President Trump’s rare Supreme Court appearance. Dr. Faith Parham, economist at the American Farm Bureau, breaks down how Strait of Hormuz disruptions spike nitrogen fertilizer prices and threaten planting season supply. They discuss policy options and risks facing small family farms.
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Hormuz Shutdown Is Hitting Fertilizer Markets
- Strait of Hormuz disruptions are driving fertilizer price spikes alongside oil, widening the crisis beyond energy.
- Faith Parham says Middle East urea shortages pushed prices up to 36% at market and up to 60% delivered to farms during spring planting.
Spring Planting Timing Magnifies Shortages
- Spring planting intensifies demand just as imports peak, making March–April shortages especially damaging.
- Parham notes the U.S. imports about 23% of annual fertilizer during these months, risking yield losses if shipments stall.
Four Years Of Losses Leave Farmers Vulnerable
- The farm economy faces multi-year losses that amplify the impact of fertilizer spikes on family farms.
- Parham warns four consecutive years of losses left row crop farmers with over $90 billion in 2023–25 losses, risking closures.