DTN Retail Fertilizer Trends

OMAHA (DTN) -- Average retail prices for most fertilizers continued to climb the first full week of December 2021, with nitrogen fertilizers again leading the way, according to sellers surveyed by DTN.

Five of the eight major fertilizers recorded a sizable move higher from last month. DTN designates a substantial move as anything 5% or more.

Leading the way higher was UAN28, which was up 20% from a month prior. The nitrogen fertilizer's average price was at $577 per ton, which continues to be an all-time high in the DTN data set.

Anhydrous was 18% more expensive compared to last month. The average price was at $1,372/ton, which is also an all-time high.

UAN32 was 8% higher looking back to last month. The liquid nitrogen fertilizer had an average price of $661/ton, also an all-time high.

Urea was 7% more expensive compared to last month. The nitrogen fertilizer had an average price of $887/ton, an all-time high.

10-34-0 was 5% more expensive looking back to last month. The starter fertilizer had an average price of $756/ton.

Three fertilizers had just a slight price increase compared to the prior month. DAP had an average price of $840/ton, MAP $919/ton and potash $778/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.96/lb.N, anhydrous $0.84/lb.N, UAN28 $1.03/lb.N and UAN32 $1.03/lb.N.

According to a news release from the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) this week, farmers are struggling with skyrocketing fertilizer prices (https://www.fb.org/…).

AFBF economists found several elements are contributing to record-high prices. These factors include increased prices for raw nutrients, increased global fertilizer demand, increased energy costs, distribution and supply chain disruptions, and trade duties.

Ammonia has increased over 210%, liquid nitrogen over 159% and urea 155%, compared to September 2020 prices, according to AFBF. In addition, MAP has increased 125%, DAP is up over 100% and potash has risen above 134%.

"Rising fertilizer prices are a great concern for farmers across the country," AFBF President Zippy Duvall said. "We urge the Biden administration to look for ways to bring fertilizer prices down, which include resolving supply chain disruptions and removing import duties, so farmers can continue growing the food, fuel and fiber America relies on."

Retail fertilizer prices compared to a year ago show all fertilizers have increased significantly, with prices for several fertilizers increasing well over 100%.

10-34-0 is now 63% more expensive, MAP is 80% higher, DAP is 84% more expensive, potash is 124% higher, urea is 146% more expensive, UAN32 is 162% higher, UAN28 175% is more expensive and anhydrous is 220% higher compared to last year.

DTN surveys more than 300 retailers, gathering roughly 1,700 fertilizer price bids, to compile the DTN Fertilizer Index each week. In addition to national averages, MyDTN subscribers can access the full DTN Fertilizer Index, which includes state averages, here: https://www.mydtn.com/….

Dow Jones reported that high fertilizer prices will likely limit farmers' profitability in the 2022 growing season. You can read it here: https://www.dtnpf.com/….

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

Follow him on Twitter @RussQuinnDTN

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