Nitrogen is a main component in fertilizer, used in farms across the world.
Matt Kludt grabs a handful of fertilizer at Kludt Brothers Farm in Kendall, Friday, March 27, 2026. Kendall, N.Y. — Nitrogen is a main component in fertilizer, used in farms across the world. About 25% of nitrogen exports are funneled through the Middle East, and with the Strait of Hormuz remaining at a standstill, there is less of that ingredient in global markets.
“Oh, we're definitely seeing an impact," said Amanda Powers with the New York State Farm Bureau. In just months, Powers said fertilizer prices in-state have gone from about $400 per ton to an average $580 per ton, a spike of 40%."We're hearing stories — unsubstantiated stories — that there's price gouging going on or just simply holding back the product because of the uncertainty of what's going on in the Middle East," Powers continued. Matt Kludt with Kludt Brothers Farm in Kendall said they pre-purchased about half the load of fertilizer they need for the coming growing season, starting in just about three weeks. “It's been a kick in the pants," said Kludt. “If President Trump would have called us and told us he was going to do this ahead of time, we could have purchased it, but he didn’t... and that’s how the world works.” Kludt maintains some 169 produce fields at the farm, growing broccoli, carrots, cabbage, squash, beets, green beans, sweet corn, soybeans, wheat and alfalfa. Kludt said they use about 3,000 tons of fertilizer, at a cost of around $2 million dollars per season. He says now, add about $1 million dollars more. But the possible impact on consumers? Not as high as you might think.Kludt added that the cost will likely be shouldered by farmers instead. That said, Powers points out farmers like Kludt already operate on razor-thin profit margins. “The number of cents that farmers make on the dollar has decreased from last year just a little bit, but it went from 5.9 cents to 5.8 cents," said Powers. Kludt said make no mistake — they can’t cut corners with fertilizer. It’s food and essential nutrients for their produce. Using less or not at all?Kludt did say that livestock farms might have an easier go of it with fertilizer costs because they can use manure.The New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct has ruled that a judge serving on the Canandaigua Town Court should be removed from his position.On a rural road in Stanley, a hamlet in the town of Seneca, Ontario County, authorities said they've been called twice to a home on South Street recently.Rochester, N.Y. — Police have identified the man found dead Thursday on a porch on Lyell Avenue and said his death is being investigated as a homicide.Brighton, N.Y. — Three people face charges after the Monroe County Sheriff's Office said deputies tracked down a stolen vehicle.Ontario, N.Y. — The end of an era for a restaurant in the town of Ontario.After 11 years, Heintzelman’s Barbecue Pit announced on social media that it will be c
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