Comments from Doug Fisher, Agronomy Manager

December 28, 2009

As the year draws to end, we at Plains Partners wish each and every one of you a big Thank You for you’re past business and wish you a prosperous New Year.

 As we begin the 2010 crop year, one of the big questions that I always hear is what is the price of top-dress nitrogen going to be.  In the past three months this market has increased in price by about $50 at ton.  These prices are still well below last years prices.  With the volatility of all products, it is hard to predict what the fertilizer prices will do from here.  Today’s market can best be described as a supply and demand market when it comes to worldwide fertilizer sales.  If we have large movements and supply gets short, prices go up.  And if we have large inventories with light movement prices go down.

What we as producers in this area need to learn is to price some of these inputs, such as fertilizer when there is not a big demand.  In many instances we can contract fertilizers months in advance.  A good example of that would be 28-0 this past fall.  At one time retail 28-0 was quoted as low as $175/ton compared to today’s price of $ 225 with future prices tending higher.  Many of the manufacturers will sell product for a certain time frame with all or a portion of the money prepaid.

If you have any question, concerning your future fertilizer or chemical needs, we are here to help you.  Give one of our location managers a call or call me at 405-368-5237

Thank you,

Doug Fisher

Comments from Micah Honick, Crop Production Specialist

Winter is here, the crops are dormant and I’m already tired of the snow and ice! Power outages and slick roads are common with the winter storms, but so is the much needed moisture that is essential for the crops during dormancy and when they break winter dormancy. Now is the time to be top-dressing your canola and wheat fields, scouting for winter grasses and broadleaves are important too.

Soybean seed is in short supply this year and the availability to get the right seed for your soil type is going to be tough if the orders are not put in early. Summer crops and crop rotation is crucial in the fight against herbicide tolerant weeds and the other grasses that plague growers’ fields and yield goals.

I would like to continue to thank you for your business and being loyal to Plains Partners for your agronomy needs!

Micah Honick