A big bag of CAN delivered is down to between €240/t and €290/t in north Leinster, and €250/t and €295/t in south Leinster. In Ulster, prices range between €245/t and €315/t, while in Munster fertiliser now costs anywhere between €250/t and €290/t. Connacht is seeing the highest prices at between €258/t and €320/t.

In May 2015, CAN costs anywhere between €306/t and €365/t around the country.

A big bag of 18-6-12 delivered is as low as €345/t to €420/t in north Leinster. Again, fertiliser prices in Connacht are highest at between €364/t and €435/t. In May 2015, prices were between €410/t and €460/t around the country.

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Parts of north Leinster are also seeing the cheapest 27-2.5-5 fertiliser. A big bag delivered is down to between €342/t and €410/t, while in Connacht saw the highest of €360/t to €440/t. Prices ranged between €410/t and €455/t in May 2015.

A big bag of 24-2.5-10 delivered is down to between €353/t and €425/t in north Leinster, with the highest prices in south Leinster ranging between €358/t and €465/t. In May 2015, average prices were between €420/t and €466/t around the country.

Late cold spring

A combination of factors have accounted for these price decreases, according to the IFA. The late, cold spring has slowed grass growth, delayed spring planting and the commencement of the silage season.

“This, along with falling commodity prices, a reduced crop area and delayed purchasing in anticipation of further price falls, has affected fertiliser sales volumes,” the IFA’s survey stated.

“Local demand is expected to pick up over the coming days on the back of improved growing conditions. European fertiliser volumes are expected to fall by 10% this season. The Irish market is also expected to contract but to a lesser extent,” it said.

Irish fertiliser retail prices are expected to fall further in line with international wholesale prices in the coming weeks.

“Cif bulk German wholesale prices for CAN are down to €190/t this week. However, there is a price lag as the local trade tries to wash out higher priced stock through the system. Farmers who are prepared to shop around are getting very good deals.

“Purchasing/buyer groups are continuing to secure significant discounts on officially quoted prices. Competition for this business has intensified in the Munster region with the opening of the new Yara depot in Cork. The major co-ops are struggling to compete as smaller independent merchants lead the way on price,” the IFA said.