Farmers across the US Midwest are preparing for spring planting while facing sharply rising fuel and fertilizer costs linked to the conflict in the Middle East. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on energy infrastructure in the region have pushed up global diesel and fertilizer prices, adding new pressure to already tight farm margins.

Corn and soybean growers in Illinois and Iowa describe volatile input costs, shrinking profits, and growing uncertainty about how long they can absorb the impact. As debates continue in Washington over further relief, many farmers say what they need most is stability — and open markets — as they head into a crucial planting season.

This video summary was created by AI from the original DW script. It was edited by a journalist before publication.