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/….

DRY
Date Range	DAP	MAP	POTASH	UREA
Sep 5-9 2022	952	1009	878	800
Oct 3-7 2022	934	997	869	826
Oct 31-Nov 4 2022	930	981	857	826
Nov 28-Dec 2 2022	926	960	831	795
Dec 26-Dec 30 2022	885	891	765	751
Jan 23-Jan 27 2023	855	865	714	708
Feb 20-Feb 24 2023	836	834	673	666
Mar 20-Mar 24 2023	821	812	645	627
Apr 17-21 2023	826	812	643	626
May 15-19 2023	829	831	627	619
June 12-16 2023	823	832	621	624
July 10-14 2023	811	823	614	609
Aug 7-Aug 11 2023	758	764	566	576
Sep 4-8 2023	738	745	518	563
LIQUID
Date Range	10-34-0	ANHYD	UAN28	UAN32
Sep 5-9 2022	866	1357	579	658
Oct 3-7 2022	813	1390	565	652
Oct 31-Nov 4 2022	759	1426	583	680
Nov 28-Dec 2 2022	753	1416	583	681
Dec 26-Dec 30 2022	751	1325	573	679
Jan 23-Jan 27 2023	754	1237	523	630
Feb 20-Feb 24 2023	741	1124	470	554
Mar 20-Mar 24 2023	740	1036	429	514
Apr 17-21 2023	740	995	423	507
May 15-19 2023	739	895	421	514
June 12-16 2023	737	781	406	476
July 10-14 2023	730	734	393	465
Aug 7-Aug 11 2023	714	634	369	400
Sep 4-8 2023	611	693	356	390

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

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