Episode Details

Andy Juris grew up on a wheat farm in Klickitat County, in southern Washington near the Oregon border, watching his dad and his grandpa work together on the farm. 

Andy is a fourth generation farmer – he understands the difficulties of the industry.

But he says, in the past few months, things have changed.

Andy’s farm machinery uses a lot of diesel, so, like everyone, he’s feeling the pain at the pump. Since the U.S. and Israel started their bombing campaign against Iran, and Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, diesel prices have hit record highs in Washington state.

More than diesel, though, he’s really worried about the global fertilizer supply – much of which comes through the Strait. 

Guests:

• Andy Juris, a fourth-generation wheat farmer in Klickitat County, Washington

• Randy Fortenbery, the Thomas Mick Endowed Chair in Small Grain Economics at Washington State University

Related stories:

• Washington ranks last in farmer take-home pay in 2024 - Capital Press

• Farmers see fertiliser price surge as Iran war blocks exports, threatening losses - Reuters

Thank you to the supporters of KUOW, you help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes

Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.