Fertiliser back by €30-40/t as better weather lifts sales

THE reduction in fertiliser costs on wholesale markets this winter is being reflected in cheaper farm-gate prices this week as buying finally kicked off.

Merchants reported increased levels of farmer purchasing this week, with the improvement in weather conditions helping to push sales.

Prices are generally running €30-40/t below last year’s levels, as a result of the poor weather conditions and farmer reluctance to purchase fertiliser stocks in a falling market.

An IFA price survey found that the price of big bags of CAN delivered varies from a low of €210/t -- available through buyers groups — to a high of €250/t. The majority of the business is being done at around €230-240/t, according to farmers and merchants.

The IFA survey found that the cost of bulk CAN ranged from €192/t to €212/t.

Urea is available at €308335/t. Farmers are generally paying €325-335/t, with €3035/t extra being charged for protected urea.

Prices for 18-6-12 varied from €308-340/t, with smaller lots moving for €330-335/t. The cost of Pasture Sward varied from €314/t to €345/t, while Cut Sward was €320-€355/t.

The keenest quotes are for volume orders and cash deals. However, some merchants are reported to be offering extended credit terms in order to secure business.

The IFA claimed that fertiliser importers and blenders were trying to talk up the price of CAN and other nitrogen products even though European wholesale prices have remained unchanged since January.

IFA’s Tom Short warned farmers not to order without pricing around first.

“There are significant sav

‘Farmers need to be wary as some trade buyers will be looking to offload high-priced product ‘