Farmers navigate nitrogen supply challenges

As corn producers gear up for side-dress nitrogen applications this season, many are facing a new challenge — a tightening fertilizer supply chain.

According to recent market insights, the North American urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) and urea markets are experiencing a convergence of disruptions that could affect availability and pricing through the remainder of the growing season.

What’s driving the shortage?

Josh Linville, vice president of Fertilizer at StoneX, attributes it to several overlapping factors. First, the extended fertilizer application window due to a dry fall has led to increased early spring demand.

Compounding this issue, unexpected shutdowns at nitrogen production facilities and reduced import volumes have left supply chains unable to keep pace. Meanwhile, more UAN has been shipped overseas, limiting domestic availability.