What will fertilizers cost this year compared to last year?

Fertilizer will be hitting the dirt this spring, but nitrogen availability has been a question, and prices are rising.

“Nitrogen is one of the most important inputs for most growers across the Midwest. It’s also one of the highest inputs, and for good reasons, because it’s the number one driver of yield and protein if you’re concerned with that in the field, and the one thing we know that we can control to increase yields pretty easily because of how limited it is in most fields and most environments,” said Robb Muhr.

All eight major fertilizers are higher in price this week. Analysts with DTN found UAN32 rose nine percent, while UAN28 went up seven percent. Other types also saw price hikes, but none by more than five percent. Four are now higher in price than this time last year, which includes DAP, 10-34-0, UAN23, and UAN32.

Related Stories
As budget hearings continue on Capitol Hill, policymakers focus on long-term solutions to stabilize the fertilizer market to support U.S. farmers.
AFBF Economist Dr. Faith Parum break down new survey findings on fertilizer affordability and producer sentiment heading into the 2026 growing season.
The analysis models how trade disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz may continue to drive up the cost of fertilizer.
National Land Realty’s Jeramy Stephens explains how rising input costs and economic uncertainty are impacting the farmland market and what landowners should watch moving forward.
Lane Howard and Adam Andrews with the National Corn Growers Association joined us in the studio discuss EPA’s approval of summer E15 sales, ongoing fuel market concerns, and the industry’s push for a long-term biofuels solution for farmers.
Alan Bjerga with the National Milk Producers Federation discusses how stewardship is driving efficiency, profitability, and competitiveness in the dairy industry.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Ag leaders say President Donald Trump’s State of the Union is unlikely to spark major agriculture headlines, but ongoing tariff uncertainty and trade policy remain key concerns, as does the debate around glyphosate and the status of the next Farm Bill.
RFD Farm Legal & Tax expert Roger McEowen shares guidance on the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit, its impact on renewable energy and agriculture, and what producers should know moving forward.
Singer-songwriter and RanchHER Clare Dunn reflects on the importance of National FFA Week, her time in FFA, and her commitment to advocating for agriculture and rural issues.
FFA Western Region Vice President Jael Cruikshank talks about the importance of community service and how National FFA Organization members are making a difference in their communities during National FFA Week.
Ranger Road Fire has burned 283,000 acres across Kansas and the Oklahoma Panhandle and is nearing containment, as ranchers begin assessing cattle and infrastructure losses as they look toward recovery.
National FFA Secretary Lilly Nyland talks about the significance of National FFA Week, member engagement, and the influence FFA continues to have on students nationwide.