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
Purdue economist Dr. Joana Colussi discussed the U.S. and Brazil’s reliance on imported fertilizers and their impact on global food security amid rising input costs.
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins plans a farm visit in Missouri, hinting at a possible fertilizer relief announcement on RFD-TV earlier this week. USDA also restructures its research infrastructure and launches new food-safety centers.
Product targets nutrient loss while supporting plant growth
A prolonged Iran ceasefire offers limited relief as fertilizer concerns persist, prompting U.S. policy shifts and driving farmers to reconsider crop acreage.
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.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

A massive rail merger could significantly impact North American agriculture and trade flows.
Urea and phosphate see the biggest price relief from tariff exemptions, but nitrogen markets remain tight, and spring demand will still dictate pricing momentum.
Earlier this year, the BLM moved to rescind the Public Lands Rule from the Biden Administration. Interior Secretary Doug Bergum says overturning the rule will protect the American way of life and give rural communities a stronger voice.
Lower turkey and wheat prices helped ease Thanksgiving costs, but underlying farm-sector pressures remain significant.
Hunter Biram, an extension economist with the University of Arkansas, is tracking Mississippi River water levels as grain shippers shift their focus to transportation following the wrap-up of fall harvest.