US-Iran Tensions Hit NC Farmers Hard

0:00It's March 26th. This is Durham News Today, AI-powered stories from your city. The tensions between the United States and Iran are hitting North Carolina farmers right in the wallet, with disruptions to fertilize the supplies and skyrocketing fuel costs, adding to their woes. The blockade in the Strait of Hormuz has slowed down shipments of key fertilizers, while diesel prices have jumped $2 a gallon for tractors, in just the past four weeks, and even higher for trucks. Hormuz across the region, including 5th-generation operations in person county, are staring down planting season with slim margins forced to make. Hard calls on what they can afford. Experts at the fertilizer institute predict a shortfall of 2 million tons of urea this spring, which could cut crop yields nationwide and demand is, surging as growers stock up fast. On top of that, severe drought in central North Carolina has dried up ponds and pastures, pushing ranchers to buy extra hay just to feed their cattle.

1:00Amid all these rising expenses.