Waterlogged fields deadlock fertiliser market

By Roger Chesher

IT is quite clear now that, this spring, fertiliser orders will only be placed by farmers on a just-in-time, point-of-usage, basis.

Movement started to pick up to a level about 50% of that expected, even to farms in areas affected by foot-and-mouth, only to slow down again as late snowfalls moved across the country, followed by wet weather once again preventing spreading.

Water tables are so high that one heavy fall of rain will cause waterlogging.

It has, in any event, been a late spring this year as indicated by T°-Sum, which has arrived later in many areas than in recent years.

It is possible that in some areas a first, early, application has now been missed altogether but, at this stage, any negative influence on volume in the spring market is still thought to be small.

Manufacturers are sitting tight, anticipating late movement, and not altering prices.

At the same time, importers seem to be backing off the market at the moment, as they experience concern over movement.

Production is still reduced at Kemira, Terra is reportedly only building stocks very slowly and both will be looking at alternative markets. Hydro will not need to import material until it can be moved.

Grassland farmers are still purchasing feed in large quantities and merchants express concern over farm cash flow.

At dairy-farm level, there is very little interest in fertiliser this week.

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