Sky-High Farm Inputs: Fertilizer Prices and Tariffs
Sky-High Farm Inputs: Fertilizer Prices and Tariffs  
Podcast: Grain Markets and Other Stuff
Published On: Fri Aug 29 2025
Description: Joe's Premium Subscription: www.standardgrain.comGrain Markets and Other Stuff Links-Apple PodcastsSpotifyTikTokYouTubeFutures and options trading involves risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone.0:00 How Much Does This Suck?1:20 Fertilizer Prices and Tariffs6:23 US/China Meeting10:04 Export Sales12:18 Declining River Levels15:09 Drought and Yield Potential💸 Fertilizer Costs & TariffsTight supplies and tariffs have pushed fertilizer prices to their highest level relative to grain and oilseed futures since 2016. While Canadian potash is tariff-free under USMCA, imports from countries like Qatar and Saudi Arabia face added costs. Senator Chuck Grassley says cutting tariffs would bring quick relief, while the Trump administration is pushing to label potash a critical mineral to boost domestic production. 📈 🌏 China Trade TalksChinese trade envoy Li Chenggang is in Washington for meetings with US trade and Treasury officials. While not part of formal negotiations, this visit follows his Canada trip and signals continued dialogue. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says "everything is on the table," but Beijing has yet to book new-crop US soybeans despite Trump’s push earlier this month. 🇨🇳🇺🇸📊 Export Sales Update• Corn: 2.1mmt (82m bu), down from last week but still strong. Mexico the top buyer.• Soybeans: 1.4mmt (50m bu), above expectations — "unknown" buyers lead the way.• Wheat: 579,800mt (21m bu), steady with recent trends. Vietnam the biggest buyer.🌊 Mississippi River WoesRiver levels at Memphis are forecast to fall 3–4 feet below normal by mid-month, raising fears of another costly harvest shipping season. Limited rainfall in the Ohio River Valley is adding pressure. 🚢 🌦 Drought MonitorUSDA reports drought expansion across Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri. Some relief in the High Plains, while Michigan saw improvements.Corn 🌽: 5% in droughtSoybeans 🌱: 11%Winter Wheat 🌾: 31%Spring Wheat 🌾: 13%Cattle 🐄: 15%👍 Like, 💬 comment, and 🔔 subscribe to stay informed on the latest in ag markets!