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Fertilizer prices continue to rise

The president of the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association says fertilizer prices continue to climb.                    

KJ Johnson says global factors are weighing on all varieties of fertilizer.

“There’s Russia, you’re talking China, you’re talking Morocco, talking about import duties, stuff like that.”  He says, “I mean, there’s an import duty on phosphates. China also produces phosphates and potash, but they are keeping a lot of that at home. They used to be a major exporter of stuff, but they are keeping that for their own consumption.”

He tells Brownfield the price runup already has farmers considering 2026 plans.

“You could see a pullback, or you’re just gonna see guys that usually do fall fertilizer say I’m gonna kick it to this spring. I’m just gonna take the risk that I think that price is gonna go down.”  He says, “I think you’re gonna really have to figure out on your own operation what will you pencil out.  What is your cost per acre?”

Johnson says IFCA is also closely monitoring any potential price impacts to inputs related to the latest round of U.S. tariffs.

Brownfield spoke with Johnson at the 2025 Illinois State Fair.

AUDIO: KJ Johnson – IFCA