Fertilizer ratios hit record highs while imports slow down

Economists are warning fertilizer prices are not jiving with grain values right now, and the situation is approaching near record levels.

Josh Linville with StoneX says the urea to corn ratio is at 99 bushels per ton right now, and UAN is at 79 bushels per ton. Linville says those statistics are the second worst in history for this time of year.

He cites a number of reasons, including plant maintenance, restrictions on Russian imports, and uncertainty out of major supply regions like Trinidad.

Related Stories
Fertilizer investigation may impact input costs and margins.
New research shows that most farmers do not have a formal resiliency plan in place. Devin Fuhrman highlights how Nationwide’s Farm Risk Ready initiative supports farmers in building stronger, more resilient operations.
ASFMRA’s George Baird shares insight on spring planting progress, acreage trends, and the financial factors influencing Mid-South farmers this season.
Geopolitical risk is rapidly increasing fertilizer price volatility before planting.
Falling commodity prices and rising costs continue to squeeze farm margins. Kip Jacobs with The Mosaic Company addresses fertilizer market pressures, nutrient use efficiency, and strategies growers can consider to protect their fertilizer investment this season.
High fertilizer costs and global risks threaten spring margins for growers.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

The American Coalition for Ethanol reacts as the Farm Bill heads to a full House vote — while ethanol expansion, including year-round E15, is left out — as well as the USDA’s pursuit of global markets for ethanol.
Global food prices rose slightly in the latest FAO Food Price Index as vegetable oils, cereals, and meat increased, offsetting declines in dairy and sugar.
University of Arkansas’ Allen Szalanski discusses a news study on rice stink bugs, what it could mean for farmers, and pest management strategies for the future.
Wed, 3/18/26 – 7:30 PM ET – Build better financial habits with tips from AARP
Valley Irrigation’s Darren Siekman explains the advantages of their new pivots for growers managing acreages of up to 60 acres.