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
U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson of South Dakota joined us to discuss rising input costs, fertilizer transparency efforts, and the role of trade in supporting farmer profitability.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins joined us to discuss fertilizer markets, domestic supply efforts, trade priorities, and ongoing policy work aimed at stabilizing costs for U.S. farmers.
Rep. Dusty Johnson of South Dakota joined us to discuss rising input costs, proposed fertilizer legislation, and potential support for farmers navigating tight margins.
Shifts in energy demand will influence fuel, fertilizer, and input costs.
Patrick De Haan with GasBuddy joined us to discuss diesel price volatility and what farmers can expect as geopolitical tensions continue to impact energy markets.
Tight supply and logistics issues may raise input costs.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Despite rising costs and growing food insecurity, meat demand remained strong in 2025 as higher-income consumers offset cutbacks elsewhere. Economists break down the K-shaped economy, upcoming USDA cattle reports, livestock production outlooks, and renewed debate over beef imports and country-of-origin labeling heading into 2026.
Corn growers are turning to ethanol, E15 expansion, and export markets to help absorb record supplies and stabilize prices. Farm leaders discuss low-carbon ethanol demand, flex-fuel vehicle challenges, input costs, and the role of USMCA as producers look for market relief in the year ahead.
From rising trade tensions in Europe to a pending Supreme Court decision on tariffs and shifting demand from China, global trade policy spearheaded by President Donald Trump continues to shape the outlook for U.S. agriculture—adding uncertainty as farmers navigate another volatile year.
The Surface Transportation Board rejects the proposed Norfolk Southern–Union Pacific merger, prompting concerns from agricultural shippers about rail consolidation, service reliability, and higher transportation costs.
Midland County Livestock Association President Brandon Mitchell reflects on another strong year for the event, including a premium sale that once again topped the million-dollar mark.
The Midland County Junior Livestock Show in West Texas features a competitive steer showcase highlighting top-quality cattle and the accomplishments of driven youth exhibitors.