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.
As cattle markets show renewed strength, producers gathering at CattleCon are focused on protecting operations, managing risk, and positioning for opportunity in the year ahead.
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We caught up with John Deere’s Hay & Forage Got-To Market Manager Kaylene Ballesteros to learn how tech is evolving how producers make hay, from baling efficiency to operator confidence.
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U.S. Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas discusses expected changes to the 45Z tax credit and what they could mean for agriculture and rural America.
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China-led demand continues to anchor soybean and sorghum exports despite weekly swings.
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Shrinking slaughter capacity may delay heifer retention, complicating herd rebuilding plans.
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Clearer 45Z rules favor U.S. oilseeds, but final RFS volumes remain critical to locking in demand.
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Even small declines in the calf crop translate into sustained supply pressure, supporting cattle prices over multiple years.
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Economists are also closely watching how policy decisions in Washington could influence markets moving forward. Analysts say deferred futures for corn, soybeans, and wheat suggest markets are operating near break-even levels, not at prices that would encourage expanded production.
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Winter Weather And Markets Reshape Agriculture Nationwide This Week
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