
Spring fertilizer outlook: How is price volatility impacting input planning in 2026?
From UMN Extension Nutrient Management Podcast by University of Minnesota Extension
April 7, 2026 · 34 min · Season 7 · Episode 8
About this episode
The episode discusses the impact of price volatility on fertilizer input planning and management strategies for farmers in Minnesota.
Early April means it's time for the Spring Fertilizer Outlook here on the Nutrient Management Podcast. Our panel of four specialists and researchers begin by discussing current field conditions throughout Minnesota. World events affecting farmers and other ag professionals are top-of-mind right now. How is price volatility impacting input planning - or is it? Should farmers consider changes to their management plans, and /or potentially cut back on specific inputs? If so, which ones and why? Does soil testing become more important during times when other costs are high? As our panelists talk with farmers across Minnesota, what silver linings and bright spots have they noticed in today's ag environment, and why is it important to keep these in mind? All this and much more on today's episode. Guests : Brad Carlson, Extension educator (Mankato) Daniel Kaiser, Extension nutrient management specialist (St. Paul) Jeff Vetsch, Lead SROC researcher (Waseca) Lindsay Pease, Extension nutrient and water management specialist (Crookston) Additional Resources : cornnratecalc.org (MRTN rate calculator) Are you overspending on fertilizer? Drought conditions overview Phosphorus: Rate guidelines…
People in this episode
Guests: Brad Carlson, Daniel Kaiser, Jeff Vetsch, Lindsay Pease
Topics covered
- fertilizer outlook
- price volatility
- input planning
- agriculture management
- soil testing
- field conditions
Keywords
- fertilizer prices
- agriculture
- input management
- soil testing
- crop management
- Minnesota agriculture
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: University of Minnesota Extension
Places: Minnesota
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- Active sensors & variable rate nitrogen: What MN farmers should know · March 26, 2026 · 22 min
- Phosphorus: Rate guidelines, sources & best practices for Minnesota, Midwest farmers · March 17, 2026 · 40 min
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