Fertilizer shipment disruptions in the Persian Gulf due to the Iran conflict pushed prices to levels not seen since another war began four years ago.

It may be a surprise that last year’s biggest ag story — tariffs — was swept off today’s front pages by even bigger news: a Middle East war, its sharply higher fuel and fertilizer prices, and the near certainty of another multi-billion dollar farm aid package.

As the war in Iran ratchets up, the price of crude oil has been swinging sharply.

Cuba said it is reaffirming its alliance with Russia through a series of agreements considered key for the island nation, including the sale of wheat.