29 ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER Fertilizer production is very energy-intensive, and large spikes in the cost of that energy can lead to drops in production, translating to a tighter global supply and higher prices. Government policy — a factor that can result from domestic issues and geopolitics. For example, Chinese export bans on urea are what Kaastra calls “an old story” rooted in the country’s own agricultural production requirements. Conversely, the Canadian government’s tariff on Russian nitrogen —one of many actions taken against Russia for its full-scale war against the Ukrainian people and state — has forced fertilizer suppliers to source product from unlikely sources, such as Turkmenistan. Cost of production — particularly regarding energy and the price of natural gas. Fertilizer production is very energy-intensive, and large spikes in the cost of that energy (if not a lack of adequate energy source altogether) can lead to drops in production, translating to a tighter global supply and higher prices. LOOKING AHEAD Kaastra says there are trends to watch despite considerable uncertainty. The move to lowercost fertilizer production and greater selfsufficiency in fertilizer production in Eastern Canada will be a factor eventually. However, dramatic changes in the short term are not anticipated. The continued emphasis on maximizing use efficiency on the farm is another, as is the growing use of fertilizer technologies like volatilization inhibitors and precision management equipment. Kaastra reiterates maintaining a supply of fertilizers adequate for the needs of Eastern Canadian farmers relies on communication. Knowing how much will be required thanks to proactive dialogue, and planning between agriculture retailers and their farm customers. “Nobody is bringing in 250 000 tons on spec,” says Kaastra. Fertilizer Realities: Before the field, plus 65 more Ontario Agricultural Conference sessions, are available to view on-demand until March 31 at www.ontarioagconference.ca.• CropBooster® Oligo Prime® and RR SoyBooster® Oligo Prime® in corn, soybean and wheat crops Agro-100 has conducted over 100 trials to confirm the value of its new Oligo Prime® technology. In corn, average yield increases were greater than 9 bu/acre. Talk to your Agro-100 representative or Ag retailer. 1 866 770.8887 • www.agro-100.com download the Agro100 application for free today! Proven Biostimulant Tank Mix Program now activated by OligoPrime® agro_agrofoliaires_thirdH2024_CropBoosterOP_02.indd 1 2023-12-11 14:05 CASPER KAASTRA MARCH 2024
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