NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — Fertilizer supplies are tightening ahead of spring planting, as lower imports, transportation challenges, and global disruptions are pressuring availability and prices for U.S. producers.
USDA data shows fertilizer imports fell 7 percent below average in the second half of 2025, with phosphate products seeing the sharpest declines. Domestic production remained mostly steady, but not enough to fully offset reduced import volumes — especially for key nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus.
Transportation trends are also mixed. Rail shipments are running near or slightly above average, but barge movements on the Mississippi River system are below normal due to weaker import flows into New Orleans. That slowdown is limiting how efficiently fertilizer moves inland during a critical pre-plant window.
Global factors are adding pressure. Conflict in the Middle East has disrupted nitrogen fertilizer production and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz — a key supply route. Urea prices have already surged, rising 37% from February to March.
Despite rising costs, USDA expects strong corn acreage this year, which will keep demand for nitrogen fertilizer elevated.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Tight supply and logistics issues may raise input costs.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
NRECA CEO Jim Matheson warns that rising electricity demand from AI and data centers could strain the grid and affect rural electric cooperatives if U.S. power infrastructure cannot keep up.
March 11, 2026 11:59 AM
·
Acre reporting is crucial to maximize specialty crop aid.
March 11, 2026 10:49 AM
·
For producers, success this season will require more than just a clean field; it will require meticulous record-keeping, a proactive written mitigation plan, and a constant eye on both the forecast and the federal docket.
March 10, 2026 05:04 PM
·
Tidal Grow’s AlignN delivers encapsulated nitrogen to leaves, boosting in-season response, yield gains, and farm profits.
March 10, 2026 04:32 PM
·
HTS Commodities’ Lewis Williamson provides updates on how growers are preparing for spring planting in an unpredictable agricultural landscape.
March 10, 2026 03:45 PM
·
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney explains how geopolitical developments in the Middle East can create energy-driven pressures that impact the supply chain and reshape demand for certain ag products.
March 10, 2026 03:27 PM
·
