No matter what you think of the actions being taken by the U.S. in Iran, there are always ramifications to the global supply chain. We are seeing reports and warnings of fertilizer shortages leading to grocery price spikes and shortages, among other things, just in time for spring planting for those that like to grow their own fruits and vegetables.
For that do not grow their own, now might be the time to start doing so because the effects are going to be felt even long after strikes against Iran end.
So, first let us catch up on some of the aforementioned reports and warnings, before moving along to Spring planting, soils, pots, seeds, indoor growing, etc......
REPORTS THAT COULD DIRECTLY AFFECT THE AVERAGE AMERICAN....
We'll start with expected food increases in prices, for a variety of reasons, not solely based on the conflict in Iran. USA Today citing the latest outlook from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) explains:
Several grocery staples are predicted to see notable price increases in 2026. Beef and veal, despite a slight price drop between December 2025 and January 2026, are projected to increase by 5.5 percent overall in 2026, following a 15 percent increase from January 2025. Pork prices are expected to rise by less than 2 percent. Nonalcoholic beverages are forecast to increase by 5.2 percent, and sugar and sweets are anticipated to climb by 6.7 percent.
Processed fruits and vegetables, cereal and bakery products are also expected to contribute to the overall increase in grocery bills.
On the bright side egg prices, "are predicted to decrease significantly in 2026, with a projected decline of 27.4 percent. This offers a potential reprieve for consumers who felt the pinch of inflated egg prices last year."
The USDA report attributes the increases to a combination of factors, including overall inflation, supply chain disruptions, and shifting consumer demand.
Other food products expected to see prices increase are fish and seafood, processed fruits and vegetables, along with cereals and bakery products.
Next up we see items that might be harder to find on the grocery shelves in 2026, some of which have nothing to do with the conflict in Iran, and more to do with specific issues. Some predicted shortages are from drought, some excessive rain and others due to invasive insect problems.
Those products are Florida oranges, California Brussel sprouts, U.S. beef, iceberg lettuce, cauliflower and cottage cheese.
There are things we can do to mitigate the pain from the prices increases and upcoming shortages, from learning to make your own cottage cheese and cereals to growing your own vegetables, and learning to can and preserve.
While many of those reading this already grow their own vegetables, whether outside or indoor gardening, there are millions of Americans that always assume everything they need will continue to be on their grocery store shelves.
Granted there are products we cannot just "grow," such as cottage cheese and chocolates, but many items can be grown, while the two just mentioned, along with others, can be made at home, which is where the videos at the bottom of this articles will come in handy.
Making things like cereals, cottage cheese and chocolate fresh at home, are not as difficult as many might think.
Another benefit to learning to make your own products is you know what is in them, no preservatives, no processing, and no ingredients most can't even pronounce.
Roto Tillers are affordable these days and certainly makes it much easier to prepare your soil for when you sprouts are ready to be transplanted. A few are listed below, from inexpensive to more expensive so there is a variety dependent on the budget.
Prepping is not just for disasters, and growing, canning and learning how to make your own products will save money, help you eat healthier, and make you far less dependent on world or even national events, for your ability to eat.
The first few videos below are easy do-it-yourself videos on how to make cereals, chocolate (using cocoa powder) and cottage cheese.
If you have a recipe or video to share on making homemade products, please feel free to share in the comment section below.
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