DTN Retail Fertilizer Trends

OMAHA (DTN) -- For the second week in a row, most retail fertilizer prices continued to fall, according to sellers tracked by DTN for the first week of September 2023.

All but one of the eight major fertilizers were less expensive compared to last week. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.

Again, the only fertilizer higher was anhydrous. The nitrogen fertilizer was 9% more expensive compared to last month with an average price of $693 per ton.

The remaining seven fertilizers were all lower compared to the prior month. Two fertilizers were notably less expensive.

10-34-0 was 14% lower compared to last month with an average price of $611/ton. Potash was 8% less expensive looking back to last month with an average price of $518/ton.

The remaining five fertilizers were slightly lower compared to last month. DAP had an average price of $738/ton, MAP $745/ton, urea $563/ton, UAN28 $356/ton and UAN32 $390/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was at $0.61/lb.N, anhydrous $0.42/lb.N, UAN28 $0.64/lb.N and UAN32 $0.61/lb.N.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture reminds farmers fall nitrogen applications are restricted in some areas around the state, according to a news release (https://www.mda.state.mn.us/…). Fall nitrogen application is prohibited in vulnerable areas of Minnesota due to environmental concerns or risks.

The restrictions begin on Sept. 1 each year. Farmers and commercial applicators are encouraged to check the online maps prior to fall applications to determine if their fields are subject to these restrictions.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture advises farmers to check soil temperature in other areas of the state where fall nitrogen application is allowed; wait for cooler temperatures if necessary.

Research shows delaying fall application of anhydrous ammonia and urea fertilizer, as well as manure, until the average soil temperatures reach 50 degrees Fahrenheit or cooler restricts issues. This helps prevent nitrogen loss, protects water quality, and ensures more nitrogen will be available for next season's crops.

Farmers in other states may want to check with local Extension or state agriculture offices to see recommendations for their location.

All fertilizers are now lower by double digits compared to one year ago. DAP is 23% lower, MAP is 26% less expensive, both urea and 10-34-0 are 30% lower, UAN28 is 38% less expensive, both potash and UAN32 are 42% lower and anhydrous is 49% less expensive compared to a year prior.

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

In addition to national averages, MyDTN subscribers can access the full DTN Fertilizer Index, which includes state averages, here: https://www.mydtn.com/….

The fall fertilizer outlook is positive for both retail fertilizer prices and availability, according to a University of Minnesota Extension Nutrient Management Podcast. You can read about it here: https://www.dtnpf.com/….

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

Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, @RussQuinnDTN

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