From war zones to shipping lanes, the ripple effects of geopolitical tension are reaching all the way back to Iowa’s farm gates. Farmers aren’t just watching world headlines for grain prices anymore—they’re also seeing how conflicts, trade disputes, and policy shifts overseas are impacting the fertilizers, chemicals, and machinery parts they rely on to keep their operations running. Those global headwinds are reshaping both the markets for U.S. ag products and the supply chains that deliver the tools to produce them.
Rob Clayton, Senior Vice President of Retail Operations with Nutrien, said one example of how global politics directly ties back to farm country can be found in the potash market. He noted that Saskatchewan holds the world’s largest deposit of this critical crop nutrient, and while smaller supplies exist elsewhere, the only comparable reserves are in Russia and Belarus—both regions carrying heavy geopolitical risks. That makes Canada’s stable and tariff-free supply especially vital for U.S. farmers at a time when they can’t afford added costs.
Clayton added that Nutrien isn’t tackling these challenges alone. He said their government affairs team has been working closely with groups like the Corn Growers Association, Soybean Growers Association, and the Agricultural Retailers Association to keep Washington focused on the importance of potash for North American farmers. Those efforts recently helped secure potash’s placement on the federal list of critical minerals, and Clayton emphasized that maintaining an open line with policymakers is essential to ensuring farmers aren’t hit with tariffs or extra costs at a time when margins are already tight.
Beyond policy wins, Clayton said the focus now is on equipping farmers with the right tools to manage through these uncertain times. He pointed to advances in technology that can help growers plan, track, and maximize efficiency across their operations, giving them a stronger foundation to withstand the pressure of volatile markets and global supply chain disruptions.
Global politics are reshaping how farmers access both markets and the vital inputs they need to grow a crop. By keeping supply chains stable, working with policymakers, and leaning on technology, farmers can stay resilient in the face of uncertainty.
