On a bright morning in Como, Mississippi, Sledge Taylor walked his fields just like his family has done for generations. His corn, about 4,000 acres worth, is growing through critical stages for future yield. Normally, he’d add nitrogen fertilizer right about now, but this year could be different.
High fertilizer costs and low corn prices have him questioning whether to fertilize. He mentioned, “I may not do it this year,” underscoring the tough choices many farmers like him face.
Historically, the Mississippi Delta has been fertile farmland, thanks to the Mississippi River. In 2025, the state reported a staggering $9.5 billion in agricultural production. Yet, the prices for essential inputs like fertilizer have skyrocketed. Approximately one-third of global nitrogen fertilizer moves through the Strait of Hormuz, now affected by geopolitical tensions. This closure has made essential supplies scarce and expensive.
Taylor isn’t the only farmer feeling this pinch. Diesel prices have risen sharply as well, forcing him to buy fuel in small amounts to manage costs. He explained, “Sometimes we know that we’ve only got two weeks of fuel,” adding to the stress during the planting season.
Farmers have faced difficulties for years due to tariffs and foreign policies. Countries have turned away from American crops, resulting in what Taylor describes as losing customers “forever.”
“I’ve been farming for 53 years. This is tougher than anything before,” he said, recalling the farm crisis of the 1980s. Back then, many family farms lost their land due to high interest rates and falling prices. This time, the problems feel deeper as farmers are hit repeatedly by crises.
For many farmers, it’s not just about the weather or commodity prices. They also confront systemic issues that can disadvantage them. For instance, Anthony Bland, a fellow farmer, has recently seen the cost of fertilizer double from $16,000 to $26,000 for the same amount. Both he and Taylor are navigating complexities like rapidly changing fuel prices and unresponsive government assistance.
Bland, who grows rice and soybeans, has switched more focus to soybeans due to plummeting rice prices affected by tariffs. “It’s a make or break year for me,” he said, echoing the sentiments of many who may have to give up their land.
Despite the grim outlook, farmers like Taylor and Bland proudly uphold their family legacies. Yet, they feel crushed under the weight of large forces beyond their control. As Taylor concluded, “When elephants fight, it’s the ants that get crushed,” a powerful reminder of how these global issues trickle down to impact individual lives on the farm.
The challenges farmers face today call for urgent attention. As the USDA has provided over $30 billion in assistance since January 2025, many wonder if it’s enough. For farmers trying to hold onto their legacy, it may be a matter of time before they must decide whether to keep fighting or shift their paths altogether.
