Nationwide lack of interest - delays early season price announcement. UK farmers have many uncertainties in their business - cereal prices, drought conditions and cash flow the major reasons causing a lack of commitment re purchasing fertiliser. AF sent out 1290 early commitment forms and had 70 responses!
A very different year - 2024/25 AF procured 8,700 t AN at new season launch (14th May to 30th June) but only 2,600 t is committed this year. All suppliers experiencing the same. Many Members who traditionally buy early are not following their usual buying policy and waiting to commit. Unless the price starts with a 2.
Global uncertainty - re China exporting, Russian energy/product entering the Eastern European market, tariffs causing currency volatility, European production plants starting or not due to energy costs.
Phosphate/Potash – this market remains very tight on supply, for example if you require DAP for OSR etc. then place orders. This market will not ease until late autumn.
Last week we reported a shortage of sugar beet aphicide Insyst (acetamiprid), but additional stock was expected in late May. Suppliers now tell Insyst is not likely to be back in stock this season.
Other actives such as Teppeki (flonicamid) are still available, as are Sivanto Prime (flupyradifurone) and other flonicamid formulations. Although aphid numbers aren't peaking yet, consider ordering now so you have them in stock.