Illinois Fertilizer Prices Surge as Strait of Hormuz Trade Disrupted

Farmers face higher costs as conflict impacts global fertilizer supply chain

Apr. 13, 2026 at 9:55am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A geometric abstract illustration featuring overlapping triangles and rectangles in shades of blue, green, and yellow, conceptually representing the volatility and uncertainty in the fertilizer market.Soaring fertilizer costs squeeze Illinois farmers' profit margins, underscoring the need for a more resilient agricultural supply chain.Jacksonville Today

Fertilizer prices in Illinois have climbed sharply after conflict disrupted trade through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route for around a third of the world's fertilizers. Some farmers who purchased fertilizer last fall are glad they did, while others who waited are now facing significantly higher costs for key products like anhydrous ammonia, phosphates, and nitrogen.

Why it matters

The disruption of fertilizer shipments through the Strait of Hormuz is impacting Illinois farmers at a critical time, as they prepare for the spring planting season. Higher fertilizer costs will squeeze profit margins for many growers, potentially leading to higher food prices for consumers down the line.

The details

Since the U.S. and Israel began a conflict with Iran, the Strait of Hormuz trade route has been effectively cut off, leaving Illinois farmers to pay much higher prices for key fertilizers. Prices for anhydrous ammonia, a common nitrogen fertilizer, have risen over 30% to more than $1,100 per ton. Other major fertilizers like phosphates and urea have also seen substantial price hikes of 10-20%. Farmers who stocked up on fertilizer last fall are relieved they did, while those who waited are now facing a difficult decision on whether to pay the inflated prices or risk lower yields.

  • The USDA's April 3 report showed seven major fertilizers in Illinois were more expensive than the previous bi-weekly report.
  • The conflict disrupting the Strait of Hormuz trade began in early 2026.

The players

Evan Marr

An Illinois farmer who purchased fertilizer last fall, before the recent price surge.

Dillon Hallemann

The manager for the agriculture product company Prairieland FS, which serves local farmers.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Looking back on it, yeah, I definitely feel like we made the right decision doing what we did last fall, getting it on for one, and then two, purchasing at the price that we did. It was the better move.”

— Evan Marr, Illinois Farmer

“I know there's a few guys who did hold off, and now it's like, 'What do I do now?'”

— Dillon Hallemann, Manager, Prairieland FS

What’s next

The outcome of the conflict in the Strait of Hormuz will determine how long the fertilizer supply chain disruption lasts and whether prices stabilize or continue to rise further.

The takeaway

The fertilizer price surge driven by the Strait of Hormuz conflict highlights the vulnerability of Illinois' agricultural economy to global supply chain shocks. Farmers who planned ahead are better positioned, but the situation underscores the need for more resilient and diversified fertilizer sourcing to protect the state's food production.