Rising fuel and fertilizer prices tied to the Middle East conflict are squeezing New York farmers already on thin margins, according to Spectrum News 1. Farmers say diesel costs jumped sharply, while fertilizer prices surged from under $400 to about $580 per ton in just months.
At the same time, milk prices are falling, leaving dairy farmers unable to offset rising expenses since they can’t set their own prices. Some report losing hundreds of thousands in monthly revenue.
Experts say the mismatch is unusual, with input costs rising but crop and milk prices not following. Farmers now face growing uncertainty as they try to cut costs and stay afloat.
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