A regional fertiliser price survey carried out by the Irish Farmers Journal shows that fertiliser prices have remained relatively static over the past two months.
However, fertiliser sales seem to have reduced in the majority of areas around the country.
It is also clear from speaking to different merchants that CAN/straight nitrogen (N) fertiliser is very popular among farmers during this time of year compared withcompound fertilisers.
As with all inputs, prices on offer will vary depending on quantity being purchased. CAN is trading anywhere from €250/t to highs of €285/t.
North
A merchant in Co Cavan has noticed that “cut sward fertiliser sales are back, with not as many farmers cutting for second cut, as first cut crops were heavy”.
The merchant emphasised the fact that, at the moment, a lot of CAN fertiliser is being purchased compared with compound fertilisers, with farmers targeting grazing ground.
In relation to prices, CAN is trading at an average price of €265/t, 18:6:12 is selling at an average of €380/t, 27:2.5:5 is €365/t and 24:2.5:10 is €375/t. Meanwhile, 10:10:20 is trading at €415/t – a popular purchase for autumn reseeding.
Midlands
According to a Co Offaly merchant, “farmers are now applying fertiliser solely for increased grass growth for grazing and late silage swards, with CAN being the most popular choice at the moment”.
He quoted prices of €285/t for CAN, €380/t for 18:6:12 and 27:2.5:5, while 24:2.5:10 was €10 head at €390/t. But 10:10:20 was slightly back on the average price at €400/t.
South
Speaking to a fertiliser merchant from Cork, he indicated sales are up in the past few weeks, as farmers prepare to build autumn grass supplies.
The merchant added a lot of dairy farmers are applying straight CAN, costing €270/t, on their rotational grazing platforms to push grass growth.
The merchant also noted: “18:6:12 fertiliser has become increasingly popular, with sales close to double this year.
A lot of farmers will use this fertiliser in their last rotation to increase P and K levels.
This particular fertiliser is costing around €370/t.”
In relation to other fertilisers, 27:2.5:5 is costing €370/t and 24:2.2:4.5 + sulphur is at €340/t.
West
A Galway merchant added that prices begin with CAN at €275/t, 18:6:12 at €375/t, 27:2.5:5 at €375/t, 24:2.5:10 at €385/t and 10:10:20 at €410/t.
He added: “CAN and 27:2.5:5 are selling best at the moment. Farmers are looking for rapid growth for grazing and late silage swards.
“Not a lot of other fertilisers are selling at the moment,” he added.