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IL fertilizer applicators feel “ahead of the game”

The slow start to the planting season isn’t a concern for most fertilizer applicators.

Kevin Johnson, president of the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association, tells Brownfield…

“We had a tremendous fall season last year, so I think most retailers are still ahead of the game going into the season.”  He says, “A lot of dry fertilizer, a lot of ammonia went out last fall.”

Brendan Bachmann, director of FS agronomy at GROWMARK, agrees, and says the mild winter was also beneficial.

“We had a lot of guys chomping at the bit when we’re talking about 75 – 80 degrees.”  He says, “It was a little bit ironic. We kind of had to be pulling people back a little bit in that early March time frame.”

Johnson says so far fertilizer and chemical inventories are adequate.

“I’m not hearing much on supply issues of anything, fertilizer or chemical.”  He says, “I mean there might be pockets of stuff, but I think we’re all in pretty good shape on supply. Everything’s a lot better than where we were 2 1/2 years ago.”

The USDA reports 11% of both Illinois corn and soybeans have been planted as of Sunday.    

AUDIO: Brendan Bachmann – director of FS agronomy at GROWMARK