DTN Retail Fertilizer Trends

OMAHA (DTN) -- Retail fertilizer prices continue to move lower, according to prices tracked by DTN for the third week of August 2022.

For three weeks in a row, all eight of the major fertilizers are less expensive compared to a month ago. After a week in which half the fertilizer prices were notably lower, only one fertilizer was considerably lower this week. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.

Anhydrous was 7% less expensive compared to last month. The nitrogen fertilizer's average price was $1,336/ton.

The remaining seven fertilizers were just slightly lower. DAP had an average price of $978/ton, MAP $1,026/ton, potash $881/ton, urea $807/ton, 10-34-0 $878/ton, UAN28 $576/ton and UAN32 $676/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.88/lb.N, anhydrous $0.81/lb.N, UAN28 $1.03/lb.N and UAN32 $1.06/lb.N.

Canada is urging farmers to reduce fertilizer emissions to curb greenhouse gasses, according to Dow Jones. This has triggered a backlash from farmers and concerns amid world food shortages.

The government is proposing a 30% reduction by 2030 from 2020 levels in emissions from fertilizer as part of a plan to reduce greenhouse gasses. Canada's Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau said fertilizer use is one activity they have identified that can have an impact on reducing emissions.

"We are really committed to the fight against climate change," Bibeau said.

Farmers, however, are not convinced this is the right course of action. Gunter Jochum, a farmer and president of the Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association, is leery of the Canadian government's proposal.

"If there's a reduction in food production, it will definitely impact our regular customers in the world that rely on Canadian food," Jochum said.

Canada wants to avoid a situation like in the Netherlands where farmers are protesting the Dutch government's similar plan. So, the proposed target is a recommendation, according to a spokesperson for Agriculture and Argi-Food Canada.

Farmers who don't comply with the Canadian government's recommendations won't face any consequences. They would, however, forgo some of the $1.5 billion in financial aid and grants the government has made available to farmers to subsidize their operations.

Despite lower prices in recent months, all fertilizers continue to be considerably higher in price than one year earlier.

MAP is 36% more expensive, 10-34-0 is 39% higher, DAP is 41% more expensive, urea is 45% higher, potash and UAN28 are both 56% more expensive, UAN32 is 61% higher and anhydrous is 80% more expensive compared to last year.

DTN gathers fertilizer price bids from agriculture retailers each week to compile the DTN Fertilizer Index. DTN first began reporting data in November 2008.

USDA reported last week the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act will deliver $19.5 billion in new conservation funding, including improved opportunities for nutrient management. You can read it here: https://www.dtnpf.com/….

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

Follow him on Twitter @RussQuinnDTN

(c) Copyright 2022 DTN, LLC. All rights reserved.