The new seed technology offers growers a significant boost in productivity and resilience, even in stressful, water-limited environments.

While farmers are facing higher fertilizer prices due to the Iran conflict the inability to move fertilizer through the Strait of Hormuz is also threatening spring supplies.

“Chairman Crapo’s leadership, including his work to extend critical Farm Bill provisions, provided much-needed stability and continuity for farmers and the broader agricultural supply chain,” said ARA President and CEO Daren Coppock.

A wet, active weather pattern across the Eastern Corn Belt could delay early planting this spring. Meteorologist Matt Griffin says repeated rain events through March and April may keep fields too saturated for fieldwork east of Iowa.

Fifth-generation farmer Justin Wylie is testing algae to rebuild soil health in orchards. By boosting soil microbes through irrigation, he hopes to improve water infiltration, reduce inputs and build resilience in high-cost Central Valley agriculture.

Lane Akre, economist for Pro Farmer says: “It’s not a matter of collusion, it’s a matter of just not enough supply out in the world.”