Guy ChazanAug 25, 2026 – 6.20pmSchuyler, Nebraska | Farmers in America’s corn belt say they are facing their worst crisis in 40 years, as an explosion in diesel and fertiliser costs triggered by Donald Trump’s Iran war pushes grain producers to the brink.The growing strains are the latest sign of how the conflict in the Middle East, now in its sixth month, is reverberating through the American heartland ahead of crucial midterm elections that will determine control of Congress.Financial TimesSubscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Fetching latest articles