Calum Findlay, Gleadell’s Fertiliser Manager, comments on the fertiliser markets…

Alzon 46

A product exclusive to Gleadell in the UK and used extensively across Germany, this innovative stabilised nitrogen fertiliser guarantees consistent high quality, with a large granule averaging 3.5mm. With a bulk density of 800kg/m3 Alzon is proven to spread accurately at widths of 32m.

The nitrogen stabiliser is added during production so is completely incorporated with each individual granule. This allows earlier and higher application rates without the risk of nitrate loss or luxury uptake, with reduced costs due to the fewer passes required. Developed for the Northern European climate the nitrification inhibitor creates a sustained release of nitrate for up to 15 weeks. Gleadell can offer a price and delivery on a February basis but the amount of available product is restricted so talk to your Gleadell farm trader today.
 
Urea

Global markets remain confused, lacking any real direction. In Egypt the saga around gas supply continues and although that may be starting to ease, food security issues are now the concern. Looking to produce more wheat for internal consumption has meant that the Government has put legislation in place forcing producers to supply more and more fertiliser to their home market.

The tonnage available for export will continue to be restricted during the Dec / Jan period so pricing today remains stable, although the £ / $ rate is not helping, and at $1.56 / £1 will only put further pressure on imported pricing.

In the UK, granular urea buyers have once again started to surface, with many stepping back into the market to finish buying their remaining tonnages, which are still very attractively priced when compared to ammonium nitrate levels.

AN

Imported ammonium nitrate continues to be delivered to farm at a sizeable discount to UK product, values of which continue to mirror the march upwards in European pricing. Demand remains low as buyers continue to hold off and a squeeze upwards in pricing is now a definite not a likelihood - logistically it will be impossible to execute or offer a “just-in-time” delivery service which may now be required by many.

Imported AN replacement levels for Jan shipments have moved upwards by approx. £10/t and so this market will eventually move higher in line with UK pricing. Changes in transport legislation will also force more hauliers out of the fertiliser business adding further pressure to prices, so buying at least some of your requirement today is a safe and recommended option.

NPK

With nitrogen showing further signs of firming and phosphates/potash stable we would expect to see a steady increase in NPK prices as we enter January. There is a huge UK Spring market to service and to avoid disappointment Gleadell would advise taking product pre-Christmas and will offer a flexible finance option to encourage this.