Keep pulling the thread on Ben Westcott.
There are warnings that Australia's food production could be halved in the coming months due to supply chain disruptions from the war in Iran.
Australia imports 96% of its urea fertilizers, with over half of those imports originating from the Middle East.
The farm-gate price for urea fertilizer in Australia has increased from approximately $750 per tonne last year to $1,435 per tonne currently.
Following the start of the war in Iran, diesel prices in Australia surged from approximately $1.80 to over $3.00 per litre in less than a month.
A strong El Nino weather pattern is forecast for Australia this year, which is expected to result in less rainfall, longer droughts, and hotter temperatures.
Last year's massive global wheat crop, which included Australia's third-largest on record, caused prices to drop significantly.
Australian farmer Jeff Cosgrove is shifting his planting strategy away from his typical 60% wheat allocation to prioritize canola, due to uncertainty over nitrogen fertilizer supply.
The El Nino weather pattern has the potential to cause heavy rains and flooding in the United States and China, and droughts in Brazil.
Southeast Asian markets are currently experiencing a glut of wheat supplies from Argentina, Ukraine, and Russia.
There is increasing demand in India for Australian-grown legumes, lentils, and pulses, which thrive in dry conditions.
There is currently high demand for chickpea seeds among farmers in Queensland, suggesting a potential shift toward planting more pulses.
India is expected to experience a very bad monsoon season, which could increase its need for imported food.