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

The UK fertiliser market is very active as buyers take advantage of lower nitrogen prices for both spot material and for new season tonnage following the release of values by importers.

Urea prices have moved downwards by almost £20/t and once again this provides the UK farmer with extremely competitive nitrogen values compared with historical levels.

New season urea prices have attracted a lot of interest and offers available over the July-Dec delivery period should perhaps be considered. As US corn plantings increase, traders may step back in and buy more tonnes at some stage, which will support values.

Farmers who take some cover at these levels will never be far wrong, especially the ones who sell grain for 2013/14 and lock in a margin at the same time. We await home-produced terms which are also expected to be competitively priced .

New season AN will be next on the agenda and prices are expected to be announced on the Continent by the end of May. AN prices for immediate application are holding.