Fertilizer prices have increased significantly in recent months, with bulk urea rising by $356 per ton, or 63 percent, since January 2026 due to tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, industry consolidation, and logistical pressures, according to a June 2 report. Producers are encouraged to consider both manure use and fertilizer price trends when making management decisions.
Pennsylvania farms have access to various types of animal manure from dairy, beef, poultry, and swine herds. A standard manure analysis from the Penn State Agricultural Analytical Services Lab can provide specific nutrient content for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The article highlights an example where a Pennsylvania farm compared its own manure stocks with average book values: aged dairy compost (Manure A) and fresh beef manure (Manure B) showed considerable variability in nutrient content. Using book values instead of actual test results could lead to overapplication of phosphorus or underapplication of nitrogen. The economic value also varied; at current fertilizer prices, Manure A was valued at $40.31 per ton while Manure B was valued at $24.06 per ton.
The article also discusses how tracking historical fertilizer prices can inform purchasing decisions. For instance, potassium fertilizer prices have remained relatively stable over the past three seasons based on USDA-AMS Production Cost Reports beginning February 2024; current potassium prices are near their historical lows. In contrast, urea prices have been volatile recently—rising about $200 per ton above five-year averages—and timing purchases earlier in the year could save producers significant costs.
Careful planning is recommended as a way to mitigate risks associated with input price volatility. “Tracking these prices can provide strategic timing for purchasing these materials,” the article states. It further suggests that pre-ordering some fertilizer inventory before the season may be prudent if market conditions seem favorable, while accounting for actual manure nutrient content can help minimize purchased fertilizer needs.
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