Don’t Overlook That Special “K”

“You have two options: you can buy potash, or you can buy alfalfa seed every three years.” – JOHN HEARD Many farmers think hauling in potash at $900 per tonne onto their fields is something like bringing very expensive coals to Newcastle. There’s some truth to that, because thanks to the feldspar and mica content

Agrium, PotashCorp Differ On China Price Talks

Fertilizer and farm retailer Agrium said Feb. 19 that Chinese potash price negotiations could stretch into July, two months longer than rival Canadian fertilizer producer PotashCorp of Saskatchewan is targeting. “I have dealt with the Chinese on other commodities. They are good at brinkmanship; they will hold right to the end. They could hold until


PotashCorp profit jumps:

Saskatoon-based PotashCorp reported a fourth-quarter profit that more than doubled to $788 million last Thursday and its shares surged even though it issued weaker-than-expected forecasts for 2009. The world’s biggest fertilizer company said it sees 2009 potash shipments flat with 2008 or slightly lower even though it expects increased global demand in the second quarter.

Potash miners ratify deal:

About 500 miners and processing workers at PotashCorp’s Allan, Cory and Patience Lake mines near Saskatoon, represented by the United Steelworkers, have approved a new three-year contract retroactive to May 1. Last Thursday’s vote ends a 99-day strike which by itself strengthened market fundamentals for potash producers, by limiting supplies. Workers get raises and other


Fertilizer prices falling, spring may be even cheaper

DON BOUSQUET It’s Your Business For three-times-daily market reports from Don Bousquet and RNI, visit “ICE Futures Canada updates” at www.manitobacooperator.ca Grain and oilseed futures at ICE Futures Canada in Winnipeg closed the week ended Oct. 24 steady in barley and higher in canola in a volatile week as spreading global economic turmoil weighed on