US Farmers Hit by Worst Crisis Since 1980s as War Drives Up Costs

US farmers are facing their worst crisis in decades due to rising costs and falling incomes. The conflict in the Middle East, now in its sixth month, has caused a surge in prices for fuel and crop nutrients.

Matt Bailey, a corn and soybeans grower in Eastern Nebraska, said that 11-52-0 fertilizer, which was priced at $US470 a ton 10 years ago, now costs more than $US900 ($1260).

Many farmers see themselves as casualties of Trump's trade wars, which have hurt US agricultural exports, particularly soybean sales to China.

A recent study by the American Farm Bureau Federation found that farmers growing nine principal crops will lose $US31 billion this year and $US32 billion in 2027 without government assistance.