The increasing costs and uncertainty as planting season begins in Minnesota are causing uncertainty and stress for farmers. The Iran conflict is driving up fuel and fertilizer prices, adding pressure after years of losses. The impact of President Trump's trade policies, including tariffs and other tariffs, are also causing concern among advocates. The American Farm Bureau Federation predicts that bankruptcies will rise nationwide in 2025, and Mediation cases between farmers and lenders are also increasing. Concerns have been raised about the potential for more farmers to reach the brink of bankruptcy. The University of Minnesota Extension data indicates that 866 mediation notices filed between October 2025 and February of this year were the highest year-to-date total since the 2020 fiscal year. The federal government is working on plans to improve fertilizer access and affordability, but experts predict that prices will remain elevated through next year.