Spring fertilizer outlook: How is price volatility impacting input planning in 2026?

Early April means it's time for the spring fertilizer outlook here on the Nutrient Management Podcast. Our panel of four specialists and researchers begin by discussing current field conditions throughout Minnesota. World events affecting farmers and other ag professionals are top-of-mind right now. How is price volatility impacting input planning - or is it? Should farmers consider changes to their management plans, and /or potentially cut back on specific inputs? If so, which ones and why? Does soil testing become more important during times when other costs are high? As our panelists talk with farmers across Minnesota, what silver linings and bright spots have they noticed in today's ag environment, and why is it important to keep these in mind? All this and much more on today's episode.

Read the full transcript

Guests:

• Brad Carlson, Extension educator (Mankato)
• Daniel Kaiser, Extension nutrient management specialist (St. Paul)
• Jeff Vetsch, Lead SROC researcher (Waseca)
• Lindsay Pease, Extension nutrient and water management specialist (Crookston)

Additional Resources:

• cornnratecalc.org (MRTN rate calculator)
• Are you overspending on fertilizer?
• Drought conditions overview
• Phosphorus: Rate guidelines, sources & best practices for Minnesota, Midwest farmers
• Do biostimulant seed treatments boost soybean yields? New study across 103 locations in 22 states says no
• Nutrient management

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If you have questions or comments, please email us at nutmgmt@umn.edu.

Support for the Nutrient Management Podcast is provided by Minnesota's fertilizer tonnage fee through the Agricultural Fertilizer Research & Education Council (AFREC). Learn more at MNsoilfertility.com.