Spring 2010 Fertilizer Prices

The Agricultural Marketing Service’s Illinois Production Cost Report for April 15, 2010 indicated that the average prices in Illinois for anhydrous ammonia was $532 per ton, DAP was $263 per ton, and potash was $492 per ton.  These prices have been fairly stable since January 2010 (see Figure below).

There were concerns that fertilizer prices could rise this spring due to poor weather last fall.  This poor weather will lead to more fertilization application in the spring of 2010, potentially leading to higher fertilizer prices due to bottlenecks in fertilizer production and distribution.  At this point, this does not appear to be occurring. 

Moreover, concerns that 2010 could be a late planting year do not appear to be materializing.  As of this date, spring fieldwork appears to be off to a good start, with an extended period of dry weather forecasted.