U.S. retail fertilizer prices moved higher during the third week of February 2026, marking the second consecutive week in which all eight major fertilizers posted month-over-month gains - a development that directly impacts spring planting budgets, per-acre input costs, and overall farm profitability. The increases were confirmed in nationwide retailer surveys conducted during the week of February 16-20, 2026, underscoring renewed firmness in the nitrogen market at a critical moment for U.S. crop producers.

The most notable move came from urea, which rose 6% compared to last month, reaching an average of $608 per ton. In fertilizer market terms, a move of 5% or more is considered significant, making urea the clear leader of this latest rally. For growers calculating nitrogen programs under precision agriculture systems, that jump translates directly into higher working capital needs and tighter margins, particularly for corn acres with heavy nitrogen demand.

The remaining nutrients also posted steady gains. Average retail prices now stand at DAP $852 per ton, MAP $880 per ton, potash $487 per ton, 10-34-0 $665 per ton, anhydrous ammonia $862 per ton, UAN28 $412 per ton, and UAN32 $465 per ton. While these increases were classified as moderate, the uniform upward movement across the entire fertilizer complex signals a broader tightening in the crop input supply chain.

On a price-per-pound-of-nitrogen basis, urea averaged $0.66/lb.N, compared to $0.53/lb.N for anhydrous ammonia, $0.74/lb.N for UAN28, and $0.73/lb.N for UAN32. These metrics are particularly relevant as producers evaluate sidedress strategies, variable-rate applications, and nitrogen stabilization decisions. With commodity prices fluctuating and yields highly dependent on timely nutrient management, these incremental cost increases matter.

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The year-over-year comparison further reinforces the inflationary pressure facing U.S. agriculture. All eight fertilizers are more expensive than one year ago. 10-34-0 is up 4%, MAP 9%, potash 10%, both DAP and urea 12%, anhydrous ammonia 16%, and UAN28 and UAN32 a striking 18% higher than February 2025. For many growers, this means fertilizer remains one of the most volatile and strategically important input categories heading into the 2026 crop season.

Broader market dynamics are also at play. Nitrogen prices remain sensitive to natural gas markets, global trade flows, and geopolitical developments that could affect fertilizer exports and shipping routes. Any sustained disruption in global energy or maritime corridors would likely ripple through U.S. fertilizer markets, reinforcing the current upward bias in prices. For policymakers debating the next farm bill, and for USDA analysts monitoring farm income projections, input inflation remains a central variable in the rural economic outlook.

At the same time, domestic infrastructure investment continues. A major ammonia converter recently installed at a Nebraska fertilizer facility strengthens long-term U.S. nitrogen production capacity, signaling confidence in domestic manufacturing. Such investments aim to stabilize supply over time, but in the short term, seasonal demand ahead of planting is keeping prices firm.

Below is the full retail fertilizer price trend covering February 2025 through February 2026:

Dry Fertilizers

Liquid Fertilizers

With planting season approaching, fertilizer markets remain a central focus for growers balancing commodity price expectations, crop insurance coverage, yield projections, and rising input costs. If nitrogen markets remain tight and global supply risks persist, fertilizer will continue to shape the economic outlook of U.S. agriculture in 2026.