Spring fertiliser prices in
SPRING PRICES have finally been published by at least one major fertiliser manufacturer, indicating a modicum of confidence in forward gas prices.
But as Yara chief Robin Cattermole points out, it is only designed to stimulate orders before Christmas, and could well be subject to further rises early in the New Year.
Kemira‘s March price of £160/t for ammonium nitrate suddenly seems reasonable given all the hype surrounding gas costs, despite it being some £20/t more than last season.
Meanwhile, Terra prices do not extend beyond January, reflecting the company order position and planned shutdowns.
Imports continue to remain in short supply, with £146/t being the most quoted price for Lithuanian AN this month, but a global fall in prilled urea costs should spark a short-term reduction in UK prices.
Terra Nitrogen, Grainfarmers and United Agri Products announced the formation of a technical liaison team this week, which will pool resources on a national scale and invest in the development of variety-specific nutrient systems.
Recent trials suggest that modern wheats justify the use of more nitrogen, according to UAP technical guru Brin Hughes.
This reflects a change in the status of the relationship between Terra and Grainfarmers UAP, who now have national coverage and an exclusive main brand position with Terra.
CURRENT PRICES (£/t)
Nitrogen (Domestic) N (SP5) 34.5% | New season | Imported urea. | Imported AN Lithuan | Blended | Blended | Liquid | |||||||||||
Jan £157 | No supply | £200 granular | £147 where available | £150 | From £146 | No market yet | |||||||||||
NPK | Jan (add £3 for March) | Imported 27.6.6 | Imported | |||||||||
Complex 25.5.5 | £154 | No supplies | No supplies | |||||||||
15.15.20 | £153 |
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20.10.10/ 27.5.5 | £158 |
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17.17.17 | £173 |
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| Trace elements | 0.24.24 | TSP (47%P2O5) | Muriate of Potash (60%K2O) |
| Copper, zinc, selenium, cobalt Iodine and sodium Per acre pack £11.10 | Blended £130-5 | £150 | £130 |
Ireland
Benchmark prices. Compounds out of season.
Northern | Urea, existing stocks only | CAN | 24.6.12 aftercut | 25.5.5
| Complex compounds |
| £200 | £145 | £160 (anticipated) | £150-£152 | £160-£162 |
Republic of | CAN, large price variations | 24.2½.10 blend | Urea | 27. 2.5 . 5 | |
| €220 | €190-210 (Russian) €225-240 | €200-250 (dependant on source and quality) | €243 (CCF) €200 import blend | |
*Note in the Republic of Ireland nutrients are expressed as elements not oxides. Analyses will not be directly comparable with those used in the UK.
Note All illustrated prices are based upon 24 tonne loads for immediate payment. Prices for smaller loads and those with credit terms will vary considerably.
Source: Bridgewater
