NASHVILLE, TN (RFD NEWS) — Farmers are still facing high fertilizer costs, and some analysts say recent federal attention may not fully address the biggest near-term pressure points.
Josh Linville with StoneX says fertilizer policy is now getting the attention it needs, but much of the focus is on ammonia, potash, and phosphate rather than urea.
Linville says some announced production gains were already planned, while new ammonia capacity may not be aimed mainly at U.S. farm demand. He says urea remains one of the largest U.S. import needs and is more exposed to Russia, the Middle East, and other global suppliers.
Nitrogen supplies made it through spring better than feared, but prices remain high. Linville says reopening the Strait of Hormuz could pressure urea prices in the short term if stalled vessels move, but tight supply may keep values elevated into spring 2027.
Phosphate remains under greater pressure because ammonia and sulfur are major cost drivers.
Potash is the calmer market, with supply adequate but freight costs adding support.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Fertilizer prices remain vulnerable to global supply disruptions, and urea may deserve more policy attention.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
Regulatory changes may influence farm costs and operations.
March 19, 2026 08:00 AM
·
Biofuel policy decisions may influence planting economics. Today, March 18, is also National Biodiesel Day.
March 18, 2026 05:14 PM
·
APHIS Veterinary Medical Officer Dr. Chelsey Shiveley discusses USDA’s biosecurity resources available to poultry producers ahead of spring migration, increasing the risk of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) threatens commercial flocks.
March 18, 2026 02:08 PM
·
President Trump issues a 60-day Jones Act waiver to ease fuel shipments amid Middle East tensions disrupting energy markets, while biofuel policy gains focus.
March 18, 2026 11:38 AM
·
NMPF’s Alan Bjerga discusses pending trade agreements with Indonesia and Ecuador and how they will benefit U.S. dairy producers and improve overall global competitiveness of U.S. ag products.
March 17, 2026 02:33 PM
·
Farm Legal expert Roger McEowen discusses new dicamba regulations, compliance requirements for growers, and the evolving outlook for herbicide use.
March 17, 2026 01:52 PM
·
