AG NEWSLETTER 12/19/2023

 

N-P-K FERTILIZER

2023 Urea pricing has been fairly favorable.  As always, once the Midwest Farmers begin planting, pricing drifts upwards and we maybe saw an $80 swing in Urea from March to July.  Since September, Urea pricing has slowly deflated to what we think is likely the bottom of the market.

Phosphates have been fairly flat and I don’t see any indication that there will be a swing in either direction.  I feel like the market is a little higher than it should be, but barring any new legislation or tariff relief, it will likely stay where it is.

Potash has also been flat and I don’t see much changing there either. 

 

 

WEATHER

Up until now, the El Nino weather pattern that we are experiencing has not produced much in the way of wet weather for our area.  We are hoping that will change just before the upcoming Christmas weekend.  So far, this looks like the best, widespread chance we will have for significant rainfall.  The long range table below, shows grater anticipated rainfall for January, March and April.

 

https://www.almanac.com/weather/longrange/TX/Austin

 

CATTLE/FEED MARKETS

The corn market is down 27% from a year ago on the heels of reports stating an increase in production over estimates.  With that (at the time I’m writing this) the feeder market is up and will likely stay that way.  Local sale barns have seen higher pricing for 500-600# steers.

 

With the wetter spring projected, it’s time to start considering rebuilding your pastures and hayfields from last year’s dry conditions.  January is the time to apply Rezilon for grassbur pre-emergent.