Are fertilizer prices going to get even more expensive heading into the 2027 growing season? And with crop prices starting to soften, should Western Canadian farmers be locking in fertilizer and grain prices now — or waiting for a better opportunity?
On Episode 148 of What The Futures, Ryan Denis breaks down the latest grain market trends, crop marketing opportunities, and fertilizer price outlook before sitting down with James Mitchell from Crop Management Network for an in-depth conversation about fertilizer markets heading into fall 2026.
With global fertilizer supply under pressure, higher freight costs, a weaker Canadian dollar, and uncertainty surrounding international trade and shipping routes, the decisions farmers make this fall could have a major impact on next year's profitability.
Ryan and James discuss the factors driving nitrogen, urea, phosphate, potash, and sulfur prices, why fertilizer costs may remain elevated, and whether farmers should start purchasing fertilizer for the 2027 crop. They also explore the relationship between grain prices and fertilizer demand, canola acreage expectations, and the risks of waiting too long for fertilizer prices to come down.
Ryan also shares his latest crop marketing outlook, including some surprising cash grain prices across the Prairies. With yellow peas trading around $10.25/bushel in Alberta, maple peas near $11, oats at $4.50, and opportunities emerging in durum, wheat, and barley, farmers may have more marketing options than the headlines suggest.
The key message? Know your numbers, check your local bids, protect profitable margins, and have a plan for 2027. Waiting for the perfect price can be costly, but making informed decisions based on your farm's profitability can help you manage risk in an unpredictable market.