Illinois Fuel and Fertilizer Cost Report for February 20, 2026

Why It Matters

Rising fertilizer and diesel costs tighten farm budgets, potentially reshaping planting choices and commodity pricing.

Key Takeaways

• Anhydrous ammonia average price rises to $842.91 per ton.
• ATS price jumps $70 per ton to $535 per ton.
• Farm diesel average climbs to $3.14 per gallon, up $0.23.
• White potash price slightly declines, down $0.42 per ton.
• All major fertilizers show modest increases except potash.

Summary

Illinois' Department of Agriculture released its weekly Production Cost Report for the week ending Feb 20, 2026, detailing current prices for key fertilizers and farm fuels. The report shows modest price movements across most inputs, with anhydrous ammonia averaging $842.91 per ton (up $0.91), ATS climbing $70 to $535 per ton, DAP at $828.44 (up $0.56), and liquid nitrogen (28%) at $435.18 (up $0.91). MAP held steady at $859 per ton, while white potash slipped to $488.92, down $0.42, and urea rose to $581, up $2. Farm diesel averaged $3.14 per gallon, up $0.23, and biodiesel reached $3.02, up $0.15.

Jim Raftis, speaking for the department, emphasized that these incremental changes reflect broader market trends and seasonal demand fluctuations. The report underscores that while most fertilizer prices are edging higher, the dip in white potash offers a brief reprieve for growers managing nutrient budgets.

The upward pressure on fertilizer and fuel costs could compress farm profit margins, prompting producers to reassess planting decisions, input usage, and cost‑pass‑through strategies. Stakeholders in agribusiness, from grain elevators to equipment dealers, will monitor these trends closely as they influence commodity pricing and supply‑chain dynamics.

Original Description

Illinois Fuel & Fertilizer Cost Report - Week Ending February 20, 2026

Major changes this week:

🔺 ATS (Sulfate) JUMPS $70/ton (+15.1%) - Largest increase of the week, now at $535/ton

🔺 No. 2 Farm Diesel up $0.23/gallon (+7.9%) - Now averaging $3.14/gallon

🔺 Biodiesel rises $0.15/gallon (+5.2%) - Currently at $3.02/gallon

🔺 Anhydrous Ammonia up $0.91/ton (+0.1%) - Trading at $842.91/ton

🔺 Urea increases $2/ton (+0.3%) - Now $581/ton

🔺 Liquid Nitrogen 28% up $0.91/ton (+0.2%) - At $435.18/ton

➡️ Steady prices: MAP at $859/ton, Liquid Nitrogen 32% at $435/ton

🔻 Potash down slightly - Drops $0.42/ton (-0.1%) to $488.92/ton

Get complete updated pricing on fertilizers and fuels for Illinois farmers. Brought to you by the Illinois Department of Agriculture and USDA.

Full report may be found at https://mymarketnews.ams.usda.gov/viewReport/3195

#Agriculture #Farming #Fertilizer #FuelPrices #Illinois

00:00 Introduction

00:06 Anhydrous Ammonia

00:14 ATS

00:18 DAP

00:26 Liquid Nitrogen

00:37 MAP

00:43 White Potash

00:51 Urea 46%

00:58 Diesel Fuel

01:08 Biodiesel

01:17 Conclusion