Midwest Soybean Farmers Face Mounting Pressures

Tariffs, Iran war, and high costs squeeze profits for Nebraska growers

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:33am

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An abstract illustration using bold geometric shapes in primary colors to represent the economic pressures facing Midwest soybean farmers, including rising costs, low crop prices, and supply chain disruptions.Geometric shapes and colors illustrate the complex economic forces squeezing Midwest soybean farmers.Wahoo Today

Soybean farmers in the Midwest are facing a perfect storm of challenges, including rising equipment and fertilizer costs, low crop prices, and the lingering impacts of the 2025 trade war with China. The situation has been exacerbated by the recent Iran conflict, which disrupted global supply chains and sent fertilizer prices skyrocketing. While a ceasefire deal has provided some hope, experts warn it will take time for the agricultural sector to recover.

Why it matters

The struggles of Midwest soybean farmers have far-reaching implications. As a major agricultural region, the financial health of these growers is crucial to the broader economy. The compounding issues they face threaten their livelihoods and could lead to higher food prices for consumers.

The details

Doug Bartek, a fifth-generation farmer in Wahoo, Nebraska, is just one of many Midwest soybean growers feeling the squeeze. Bartek's 2,000-acre farm has been hit by a range of rising costs, including fuel, equipment, and fertilizer - the latter of which has been driven up by the Iran conflict. Additionally, Bartek and his peers are still recovering from the impacts of the 2025 trade war with China, which depressed soybean prices. While China is buying U.S. soybeans again, a recent $12 billion federal aid package is seen as insufficient to make up for their losses.

  • The Trump administration imposed tariffs on China in 2018, leading to a monthslong trade war in 2025.
  • The Iran conflict began in early 2026, disrupting global supply chains and sending fertilizer prices skyrocketing.
  • A ceasefire deal in the Iran conflict was announced on April 7, 2026, raising hopes for a recovery in global supply chains.

The players

Doug Bartek

A fifth-generation farmer in Wahoo, Nebraska, who operates a 2,000-acre soybean farm.

Nebraska Soybean Association

An organization that represents soybean farmers in the state of Nebraska, of which Doug Bartek is the chairman.

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What they’re saying

“The high cost of fuel, equipment, and fertilizer — compounded by the Iran war — and also tariffs, perceived 'price gouging' by suppliers, and low soybean prices driven by a global supply glut. All of it weighs on me.”

— Doug Bartek, Soybean Farmer

What’s next

Experts say it will take time for global supply chains to fully recover from the disruptions caused by the Iran conflict, which could continue to impact fertilizer prices and availability for Midwest soybean farmers. The future of the ceasefire agreement also remains uncertain.

The takeaway

The compounding challenges facing Midwest soybean farmers, from trade tensions to geopolitical conflicts, underscore the vulnerability of the agricultural sector to broader economic and global forces. As these growers struggle to maintain profitability, the ripple effects could be felt by consumers through higher food prices.