While we just passed the 4th of July a week ago, it is not unreasonable to think about the supplies you will need for and after the fall harvest. One of the biggest inputs that will be thought about is the fall fertilizer and its availability. In the past, we saw some ridiculous prices due to trade disputes and other factors, but we saw them ease off a little last year. But just like any new growing season, there are new challenges to be aware of.
Josh Linville is the Vice President of Fertilizer for StoneX, and he talks about the situation we are finding ourselves in. This year it seems to be more weather-related challenges facing our fertilizer supply. Let’s start with the Gulf Coast Region. This is where the fertilizer shipments dock in New Orleans and make their way, northbound, up the Mississippi River. The Gulf Coast is now in hurricane season and as of right now Hurricane Beryl is the only one that we have had to worry about.
But was it enough to disrupt shipments of fertilizer? Linville says that it probably didn’t do anything but maybe cause a small slowdown that is easily overcome.
Speaking of the Mississippi River, Linville says the heavy rains in the Upper Midwest all find their way down that riverway from one direction or another. That may be where we see the bigger headaches.
It’s not just weather that Linville is watching. The global marketplace and demand are also two major factors. He says eyes are on India and their search for large amounts of nitrogen fertilizer.
China is also looking to make waves for the global supply as they are making cuts to phosphate availability.
The weeks ahead may be interesting. Now is a good time to talk to your supplier and see what options they have, and how they are seeing their supply availability for the fall.
