With some input markets unsettled and spring conditions staying dry, now is the time to review your crop plans with a clear focus on margin and risk management. In this update, your AF Crop Inputs Team shares what they’re seeing across fertiliser, seed, and crop protection.
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“This year, there won’t be a spring price reset as we’d normally expect in May or early June. Instead, prices are firm and continuing to rise, particularly for nitrogen and sulphur.
“In this environment, the priority is planning, not reacting. Now is the time to look closely at fertiliser strategies and ensure every input is justified. Where soils are out of balance - especially with potash - nitrogen will not perform efficiently, resulting in unnecessary cost. Soil testing remains a straightforward and timely option, with results typically available within a week, helping inform better decisions.
“While nitrogen remains under upward pressure, potash and sulphur-based products currently represent better value. Considering these separately can reduce exposure to future market movements and maintain flexibility.
“Keep your focus on risk management rather than price prediction. Planning early and taking a measured, phased approach, can help protect margins, manage cash flow and avoid you being forced into decisions later in the season.
“Look out for our early order form, coming out by email next week. Get it back to us so we can pool your volume to negotiate best possible prices.”
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“A lack of rainfall continues to shape decision‑making this spring. Many crops look well and have potential, but without rain that potential will be hard to realise. On the plus side, both price and availability of products is good. Distributors have put measures in place to avoid the disruption experienced last year.
“To help keep delivery costs down in the face of increasing haulage costs, avoid ordering single cans wherever possible – plan ahead and order multiple products together. This helps suppliers to keep delivery prices as low as possible and not introduce minimum order quantities.
“Septoria is present, but pressure remains low in dry conditions. With wheat prices still poor, this is not the season for automatic, high‑cost programmes. Instead, take a pragmatic approach at T1 - using lower‑cost or reduced‑rate options while keeping flexibility for T2 if rain arrives.
“The key message is to challenge plans set earlier in the year. Reassess, question recommendations, and tailor spend to what crops can realistically deliver. Making careful decisions now could make all the difference to your margins later in the year.”
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“Availability of SFI mixes is good. With the continued dry weather forecast, we anticipate there will be a large legume fallow area this year. With that in mind we recommend ordering early to avoid price rises and delivery delays.
“Following a period of volatility in global markets, rapeseed prices remain relatively strong. When selecting a variety, choose something with strong autumn/spring vigour and high pest resistance. We have access to new varieties Dompteur, Karat and KWS Domingos as well as more familiar ones.
“We’re seeing a lot of new winter wheat varieties coming through again for autumn. The strain on the YR15 gene varieties will be tested this year, making decision-making more difficult. Supply is expected to be ok overall, but please be aware varieties like Arlington and LG Challenger will be tight on supply. The suggestion to get an early order in is recommended.
"We’re teaming up with Limagrain to hold a Seed Trials Day at Bacton, Suffolk. This is a great opportunity to explore a range of trial plots, gain practical insights, and speak directly with industry experts. Find out more and book tickets here.”
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