Fertilizer manufacturers and distributors continue to try to force some upward pressure on prices, but farmers who are shopping around are still able to get value in the market. An IFA fertilizer price survey conducted in the last few days has shown urea prices have increased by about €5/t since last month. Urea is reported to be trading from €385/t to €425/t.

Prices for CAN vary from €310 in Leinster to €355 in Connacht for half-tonne bags. Compound fertilizers such as 18-6-12 recorded large variations in price, with quotes varying from €410 to €455; prices for 10-10-20 ranged from €416 to €460. Prices for 27-2.5-5 ranged from €415 to €450, while 24-2.5-10 is reported to range from €418 to €460.

Group and volume buyers continue to secure the best deals. The IFA has said that extended credit terms at cash, or near cash prices, are being offered in some cases to secure volume orders.