Fertilizer Prices Fall as UAN28, Urea Lead the Way Lower

OMAHA (DTN) — Retail fertilizer prices shifted mostly lower in the fourth week of August 2026.

After four weeks of mixed prices, six fertilizers were lower compared to last month, while the remaining two were slightly higher. DTN designates a significant move as anything 5% or more.

Two nutrients led the way lower. UAN28 was 8% less expensive compared to last month, with an average price of $428/ton. Urea was 5% lower compared to last month, with an average price of $655/ton.

Four other fertilizers were just slightly lower. Potash had an average price of $493/ton, 10-34-0 $715/ton, anhydrous $923/ton, and UAN32 $458/ton.

The remaining two nutrients were just slightly more expensive looking back a month. DAP had an average price of $918/ton and MAP $959/ton.

On a price per pound of nitrogen basis, the average urea price was $0.71/lb.N, anhydrous $0.56/lb.N, UAN28 $0.76/lb.N, and UAN32 $0.72/lb.N.

In an announcement Aug. 26, CHS and OCP North America said they are preparing to build the first phosphate fertilizer plant in the U.S. since 1984. Through a proposed joint venture, the two companies plan to construct a production facility at Cornerstone Energy Park in Waggaman, Louisiana, according to a CHS news release (https://www.chsinc.com/news-and-stories/2026/08/26/chs-ocp-domestic-fertilizer-production-announcement). The $450 million project is expected to produce more than 1 million tons of phosphate-based fertilizer annually.

“This is an exciting moment for American agriculture,” Jay Debertin, president and CEO of CHS, said. “Together with OCP North America, we have the opportunity to build the first phosphate fertilizer plant in the U.S. in more than 40 years. This investment has the potential to create more value for our owners by bringing fertilizer production closer to the American farmer and the cooperative network.”

The OCP Group will supply phosphoric acid to the facility. Finished products will be distributed through both OCP North America and CHS. The new capacity could reduce U.S. dependency on imported phosphate-based fertilizer by more than 48%. Once approved, the project is expected to create approximately 60 permanent jobs in Jefferson Parish and 500 construction jobs.

Seven of the eight fertilizers are now higher in price compared to a year ago. Both potash and UAN28 are 2% higher, urea is 4% more expensive, MAP is 5% higher, both 10-34-0 and DAP are 7% more expensive, and anhydrous is 21% higher than a year ago. UAN32 is the lone exception, running 5% lower than a year earlier.

DTN gathers fertilizer price bids from agriculture retailers each week to compile the DTN Fertilizer Index. DTN first began reporting data in November 2008.

In addition to national averages, MyDTN subscribers can access the full DTN Fertilizer Index, which includes state averages, here: https://www.mydtn.com/agriculture/web/ag/markets/fuels-fertilizers#!/fertilizers.

The United Nations is offering to facilitate the transportation of fertilizer through the Strait of Hormuz, according to The Times of Israel. You can read more here: https://www.dtnpf.com/agriculture/web/ag/crops/article/2026/08/26/uan28-leads-fertilizer-price-fifth.

Russ Quinn can be reached at Russ.Quinn@dtn.com

Follow him on social platform X @RussQuinnDTN