NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — Input costs continue to pressure crop margins as fertilizer markets stay elevated ahead of planting, according to Josh Linville, vice president of fertilizer at StoneX.
Nitrogen markets remain volatile. A large Indian urea tender is pending while reports suggest Iranian nitrogen production may return after gas supply disruptions. Even limited Iranian exports influence global supply expectations. Despite quieter trading, prices remain historically high — urea, UAN, and anhydrous ammonia all rank the second-highest ever for this time of year, meaning farmers must commit unusually large bushel equivalents to secure product.
Phosphate markets also remain tight. China is still expected to stay out of export markets until at least August 2026, and high ammonia and sulfur costs are raising production expenses worldwide. The DAP-to-corn ratio improved slightly but remains near record-expensive levels.
Potash is comparatively stable and considered reasonably priced. Meanwhile, sulfur prices are surging amid tighter global supply and rising demand, lifting costs for phosphate- and sulfur-based fertilizers.
Input costs are top of mind for farmers, as they contribute to higher prices and smaller profits.
October 28, 2025 12:00 PM
·
The President’s trip to Asia this week follows a trade mission by the Iowa Soybean Association. Farmers say they were reminded that U.S. soybeans have an international reputation that can be easy to take for granted here at home.
October 28, 2025 11:28 AM
·
The review signals renewed scrutiny of China’s agricultural trade pledges and could reshape farm export opportunities depending on its outcome.
October 28, 2025 11:20 AM
·
The U.S.-Japan tech pact signals long-term investment in bio-innovation, connectivity, and secure supply chains — all of which can strengthen rural manufacturing, ag exports, and digital infrastructure critical to the next generation of farm productivity.
October 28, 2025 11:01 AM
·
John Appel with the Farmers Business Network (FBN) joins us for a closer look at the 2026 Crop Protection Market Outlook Report.
October 27, 2025 01:00 PM
·
Farmers display a unique optimism — planting with the expectation that weather, basis, and prices will improve by harvest — asserting that the profession is an identity, not just a job.
October 27, 2025 12:12 PM
·
Imported lean beef continues to play a critical role in U.S. hamburger and ground-beef production, with any added volume from Argentina serving as a supplement — not a market overhaul.
October 27, 2025 11:51 AM
·
A fast-moving series of trade signals from the White House and key partners is resetting the near-term outlook for U.S. agriculture.
October 27, 2025 11:41 AM
·
Margin Protection and the new MCO add county-level margin tools — with earlier price discovery, input cost triggers, and high subsidy rates — to complement on-farm risk plans for 2026.
October 24, 2025 01:44 PM
·
