Protected urea may be a buzz word in agriculture at the minute, but when supplies tighten the best laid plans can fall by the wayside.

The fertiliser market is currently in flux and nitrogen supplies are tight and uncertain after late spring and into early summer.

Prices for protected urea (46% N, no S) and CAN are headed for increases of approximately €100/t and over €50/t, respectively, on mid-January prices. Some merchants and co-ops have already implemented these increases.

Interest in protected urea had shown signs of increasing this season and even with this price increase, it is still showing value over CAN.

In mid-January, the Irish Farmers Journal reported prices of €350/t to €355/t for protected urea. However, since that time, prices have increased and in the next few days and weeks the product is expected to hit approximately €440/t to €455/t across the board, while standard urea is trading around €40/t below this price and CAN is set to move to over €280/t. These prices are already being quoted in the market by some merchants and co-ops.