Agriculture has had its share of black swan events in recent years and the war in Iran would fit in that category. Ag Retailers Association President and CEO Darren Coppock says the action in the Middle East complicates an already difficult economic situation. “So much stuff is caught up in that straight-up-war moves, whether it’s fuel or fertilizer, like DAP and MAP and sulfates, and unfortunately, there are ripple effects that go across the whole economy,” said Coppock. “Those that have their spring fertilizer in-house already and have grower commitments are in pretty good shape; those that don’t are going to have to pay some pretty expensive prices and deal with some expensive freight to meet whatever last-minute needs there may be.” The tight farm economy is being felt throughout the supply chain. “Anytime the farmer gets a cold, we get a cold too so if they need to start pulling back on things, that’s going to obviously impact the bottom line of the retailer.”
