Potash
Josh Linville, vice president of Fertilizer for StoneX Financial Inc., says the current fertilizer and corn price ratio is at historic levels with potash the worst in history, UAN the second worst in history, and urea ranking as the third worst.
“For now, we don’t believe there’s going to be much in the effect in terms of fertilizer production from either country, though it would be a little silly to not consider it,” says Josh Linville from StoneX.
“UAN is easily the most important topic right now,” says Josh Linville at StoneX. “That is because it is no longer a price story—it’s a ‘can you even find it supply story.’”
Randy Hughes is continually refining his fertility program and has seen yields improve 40 bu. to 50 bu. per acre over the past six years. Hughes chats with corn yield champs David Hula and Randy Dowdy about the importance of being a lifelong student of the crop.
While macronutrients and micronutrients such as zinc, iron, and manganese contribute to high yields, yield champs say don’t overlook the importance of having soil pH in place first.
The President’s Executive Order is being seen a step toward the U.S. being able to produce more of its own potash, which is said to be available but not mined due to regulatory impediments.
Additionally and specifically, Canadian potash imports into the U.S. will be subject to a reduced import tariff of 10%.
President Trump’s new tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico and China have gone into effect. While the economic consequences are unknown, Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has promised to have a plan ready for farmers, if needed.
Having a soil pH in the neutral to 6.8 range across corn acres can help growers get the best performance from their fertility program — achieving higher yields with better ROI.
Among the independent field agronomists’ recommendations: Address your No. 1 yield-limiting factor, employ the 5% rule and fix soil pH.