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Rising prices, not shortages, lead fertilizer concerns this spring

The CEO of the nation’s largest farmer-owned cooperative says fertilizer supplies are sufficient for the start of the growing season.

Jay Debertin with CHS tells Brownfield prices are up significantly as global markets get disrupted by the conflict in the Middle East.

“Over where it was say two weeks ago for the reasons we all know. But the physical supply, much of that product either has arrived in the United States or is on the water to arrive in the United States.”

He says the concern comes later in the growing season.

“We’ll have summers work as well as fall work that that product hasn’t left yet. So we’ve got more work to do to ensure we’ve got supply, but CHS is incredibly well-positioned for our spring demand.”

Debertin says the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is having more of an impact on energy markets, especially the price of fuel.