Slow-moving fertiliser raises transport worries

By Roger Chesher

MOVEMENT on to farm continues to be very slow, causing manufacturers to issue their usual warning about logistical difficulties.

This time its different however, as agricultural merchants are also beginning to voice concerns about getting lorries on time.

Its not worth the cost of training drivers to meet the statutory requirements for carrying ammonium nitrate when this task occupies such a small proportion of their time, and fertiliser is traded at such low margins.

Importers continue to promote sales to try to reduce current stocks to make way for new material.

Forward prices for imports beyond February are still hard to tie down in view of the rising prices of ammonia and urea in world markets.

It is proving difficult to determine a meaningful figure for the amount of fertiliser, imported or home produced, which is currently in merchants stores.

Store “deals” and “trust” tonnage have not been available this year so whatever the figure is, it will be lower than of late.

Fertiliser coming out of store can sometimes pull the market price down as merchants wish to move it quickly.

The usage period is moving nearer, with blenders and liquid producers becoming more active.

So slightly more fluctuation in market prices should soon become apparent.

But, with such a huge market to be supplied, price wont really be the issue, it will be a case of shopping around to see who can actually facilitate the delivery.

CURRENT PRICES

IRELAND