A Shropshire farmer says he has been forced to spend an extra £25,000 on fertiliser this year due to the war in Iran, leaving many in the industry feeling despondent. Rory Lay, who runs an arable, beef and sheep farm near Wem, paid £77,000 for fertiliser in 2026 compared to £52,000 for the same amount in 2025, as prices have risen by about 50 percent.

The conflict in the Middle East has restricted access to natural gas and disrupted supply routes including the Strait of Hormuz, creating volatility and shortages. Lay said delaying purchases in the hope of lower prices risks supplies running out, adding that farmers have little influence over costs that continue to rise.

Fertiliser is vital for growing cereal crops and grass for livestock, and reduced use could create animal welfare issues. Lay warned that farmers may not recover the additional expense until autumn 2027, leaving them vulnerable if produce prices fall.

He said covering the extra cost has meant borrowing more money and called on supermarkets to increase payments to farmers. According to Lay, modest price rises on everyday goods could help farmers manage soaring input costs without significantly affecting retailers' profits.