Rising fertilizer prices are adding new challenges for farmers this spring, as key inputs like anhydrous ammonia continue to climb due to global supply pressures.
On a local level, Brendan Marshall, a Certified Crop Specialist with West Central FS, says that while prices are increasing, many farmers planned ahead and purchased inputs before the spikes.
“On a local level, our ammonia prices have gone up, but most producers had already taken care of their needs before this increase,” says Marshall. “Normally, prices drop for side-dress season in June, and some people wait to buy then. This year is a toss-up. Side-dress could be the highest-priced ammonia we’ve seen in a long time. But three weeks from now, something could change.
It’s an interesting time. In my role, I keep getting price updates—one day it’s one price, the next day it’s something different. I’ve been in this business for 37 years, and just in the last week, we’ve changed nitrogen prices four different times. I’ve never seen that before.”
On the supply side, Marshall adds that the Midwest is currently in a good position, citing on-time deliveries.
