Harvest is around the corner, and as farmers begin looking ahead to next year, fertilizer will be a big input to consider. It is also one of the most volatile markets.
Researchers at the University of Illinois found nitrogen prices have been as much as 20 percent higher this year over last. While prices are down significantly from highs we saw in early 2022, they are still above historical trends.
Analysts expect anhydrous to hold at $750-$800 per ton through the fall. They also suggest getting price quotes from multiple sources given everyone’s tight financial situations lately.
Analysts with DTN found no major changes over the last week on prices of some of the most popular fertilizers. However, looking back one year, seven of the eight major fertilizers are now more expensive.
UAN-32 takes the lead, coming in 32 percent more expensive than last year. The only fertilizer to see a year-over-year price drop is potash, coming in four percent off this time last year.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order this week to accelerate domestic production of phosphorus and glyphosate, signaling that farm input availability is now treated as a national security risk.
February 19, 2026 11:18 AM
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Fuel costs ease over the long term, but fertilizer energy remains volatile.
February 18, 2026 11:47 AM
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Lower oil prices may trim input costs but pressure biofuel demand.
February 16, 2026 03:00 PM
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Cold-driven spikes in gas prices can quickly raise fertilizer and energy costs.
February 16, 2026 01:00 PM
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Nitrogen and phosphate markets are tightening ahead of spring, keeping fertilizer costs elevated while crop prices lag.
February 13, 2026 08:00 AM
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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.
February 02, 2026 12:13 PM
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