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Ohio farmers face mixed fertilizer price outlook for 2026

An Ohio State University Extension educator says farmers may have to make adjustments to their nutrient management plan as they face budget challenges. 

Amanda Bennett tells Brownfield the cost of some inputs have been on the rise. 

“At the national level overall, we see the trade situation keeping prices high,” she says. “We’re fortunate here in Ohio that we have a river to the south and Lake Erie to the north that provides two different options keeping prices lower.”

But, she says Ohio’s Quarterly Fertilizer Price Survey shows local prices holding steady.

“Last year at this time, we saw potash prices from the survey decreasing,” she says. “This year, we see potash increasing about $59 per ton since quarter one. It might not be as economical to fall apply as it might have been in the past.”

Bennett says early planning and risk management will be critical when making decisions ahead of the 2026 crop year.

AUDIO: Amanda Bennett, Ohio State University Extension