DTN Retail Fertilizer Trends

Retail Fertilizer Prices Hold Steady

Russ Quinn
By  Russ Quinn , DTN Staff Reporter
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Anhydrous averages about $75 per ton more expensive than 2014 levels at this time of year, recent DTN surveys show. (DTN chart)

OMAHA (DTN) -- Retail fertilizer prices continue to move in the narrow range that has been seen in recent weeks and months, according to prices tracked by DTN for the third week of March 2015.

Half of the eight major fertilizers were higher compared to a month earlier, but none of the four was up significantly. While 10-34-0 was 6% higher in recent weeks, the starter fertilizer declined some the third week of March. 10-34-0 had an average price of $614 per ton.

The remaining fertilizers with slighter higher prices were DAP with an average price of $570/ton, MAP $597/ton and UAN28 $332/ton.

The other half of the fertilizers slipped lower compared to a month ago, but again none were down significantly. Potash averaged $490/ton, urea $470/ton, anhydrous $705/ton and UAN32 $368/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.51/lb.N, anhydrous $0.42/lb.N, UAN28 $0.59/lb.N and UAN32 $0.58/lb.N.

In an article titled, "Fertilizer Prices Slightly Higher Than in 2014," George Silva, Michigan State University Extension, reports that fertilizer retail prices are slightly higher compared to one year earlier. This increase in fertilizer prices has come after the considerable drop in commodity prices, he said.

"The decline in commodity prices has not translated to a similar decline in fertilizer prices," Silva wrote.

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Considering fertilizer makes up the single largest input cost for corn production, Michigan State University Extension recommends producers stay keenly aware of price fluctuations. Producers also need to be ready to take advantage of fertilizer purchasing options, he wrote.

"Industry experts believe that despite the fertilizer market stability, any unforeseen changes in global demand or supply may cause dramatic price shifts," he wrote."

To read the entire Michigan State University Extension article, visit http://msue.anr.msu.edu/….

Two of the eight major fertilizers monitored by DTN are now double digits higher in price compared to March 2014, all while commodity prices are significantly lower from a year ago. 10-34-0 is 19% higher while anhydrous is 12% more expensive compared to year earlier.

Potash is 3% higher while MAP is 2% more and DAP is 1% more expensive compared to a year earlier.

Three nutrients are now lower compared to retail prices from a year ago. UAN28 is down 5% while UAN32 is now 6% less expensive and urea is 13% less expensive from a year previous.

DTN collects roughly 1,700 retail fertilizer bids from 310 retailer locations weekly. Not all fertilizer prices change each week. Prices are subject to change at any time.

DTN Pro Grains subscribers can find current retail fertilizer price in the DTN Fertilizer Index on the Fertilizer page under Farm Business.

Retail fertilizer charts dating back to November 2008 are available in the DTN fertilizer segment. The charts included cost of N/lb., DAP, MAP, potash, urea, 10-34-0, anhydrous, UAN28 and UAN32.

DTN's average of retail fertilizer prices from a month earlier ($ per ton):

DRY
Date Range DAP MAP POTASH UREA
Mar 17-21 2014 565 586 475 538
Apr 14-18 2014 586 617 475 552
May 12-16 2014 594 630 479 554
June 9-13 2014 594 630 482 541
July 7-11 2014 590 621 483 531
Aug 4-8 2014 589 609 474 518
Sept 1-5 2014 581 599 475 517
Sept 29-Oct 3 2014 579 599 478 514
Oct 27-31 2014 579 598 478 503
Nov 24-28 2014 576 595 480 492
Dec 22-26 2014 566 593 485 462
Jan 19-23 2015 568 596 487 469
Feb 16-20 2015 568 597 495 472
Mar 16-20 2015 570 597 490 470
LIQUID
Date Range 10-34-0 ANHYD UAN28 UAN32
Mar 17-21 2014 517 630 348 392
Apr 14-18 2014 525 685 355 401
May 12-16 2014 552 699 355 406
June 9-13 2014 562 703 357 404
July 7-11 2014 561 686 348 399
Aug 4-8 2014 556 686 337 378
Sept 1-5 2014 555 683 330 377
Sept 29-Oct 3 2014 556 695 328 374
Oct 27-31 2014 558 701 327 373
Nov 24-28 2014 564 712 323 368
Dec 22-26 2014 573 706 320 362
Jan 19-23 2015 585 707 326 367
Feb 16-20 2015 593 706 330 370
Mar 16-20 2015 614 705 332 368

Russ Quinn can be reached at russ.quinn@dtn.com

(MZT/AG)

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Russ Quinn