Fertilizer markets remain volatile, but are current urea prices an opportunity for farmers to start locking in their 2027 needs?

On Episode 140 of the What The Futures Podcast, Ryan Denis is joined by fertilizer market expert Josh Linville to break down what’s happening in global fertilizer markets and what it could mean for farmers heading into 2027.

Ryan recently had a second chance to lock in urea at a price established back in June — roughly $75/tonne below comparable current offers. Was buying it the right move?

Josh explains why urea prices have been moving so aggressively, how China’s return to the export market is affecting global supply, and why India, Brazil and geopolitical uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz continue to create major volatility. They also discuss phosphate markets, global sulfur supply, the new CME urea futures contract and whether farmers should consider locking in fertilizer for 2027.

Plus, Ryan dives into the grain markets as harvest gets underway. Canola and wheat basis levels are beginning to improve, futures are moving higher, and buyers are showing more interest. Could the crop marketing environment be shifting from defensive to bullish?

In this episode: - Should farmers buy urea and fertilizer for 2027? - Josh Linville’s outlook for fertilizer prices - Why China’s fertilizer exports matter - India’s impact on global urea demand - Strait of Hormuz and global fertilizer supply risks - Phosphate and sulfur supply concerns - Using CME urea futures as a risk-management tool - Canola and wheat basis improvement - Why farmers should shop grain bids between elevators - Negotiating better canola basis levels - Third-party grain grading during harvest - Crop marketing strategies for the 2026 harvest

Subscribe to What The Futures for weekly conversations about crop marketing, grain prices, fertilizer markets and better farm business decisions. #Fertilizer #Urea #CropMarketing #Canola #GrainMarkets #Farming #Agriculture #CanadianAgriculture #Wheat #WhatTheFutures Listen to the show on the go.

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Crop Marketing Made Cool Conference:
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This week, I share how one fuel decision saved our farm more than $27,000 and why it pays to look beyond the normal stuff when managing your cost of production.

I’m also joined by Alex Schoch from John Deere to talk about precision upgrades that can bring newer technology to equipment already sitting in your shed. Then, Saskatchewan Pulse Growers Chair Stu Lawrence joins me for a wide-ranging conversation about pulse production, global competition, trade with India and China, and what all of it could mean for Canadian growers.

Plus, we look at navigating a quiet August market, preparing for harvest pressure, and making sales based on your own cash flow and storage needs.  The best part? ....fun stories from the lemonade stand. 

Hit PLAY and join me in the UPL studio! 

Ryan Denis website, email list, Lunchbox Crew and conference:
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December 1–2, Brandon, Manitoba
Use code UNHINGED to save $100.

Canola futures have fallen about $50 per tonne from the recent high, spring wheat has failed again near $7.50, and harvest basis opportunities are beginning to appear across the Prairies.

In What the Futures Podcast Episode 136, Ryan Denis breaks down canola, wheat, barley and oat marketing, then talks August and harvest weather with Bret Walts of BAM Weather, Brett Young canola hybrids with Kyle Slobodian, and John Deere 8R and 9RX tractors with Carlton Self.

The episode also covers El Niño, hail risk, harvest lows and practical cash-flow decisions.

Ryan Denis website, email list, Lunchbox Crew and conference:
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Crop Marketing Made Cool Conference:
December 1–2, Brandon, Manitoba
Use code UNHINGED to save $100.

On this episode of Cuppa Coffee from What the Futures, Ryan Denis and Brian Comeault break down the grain-market pullback and the marketing decisions farmers face before harvest. They cover canola prices, wheat hedging, malt barley demand, oats, yellow peas, crop conditions, market carry and strategies for protecting a price floor while retaining upside.

Brownlee’s Ag Tech:
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On this episode of Cuppa Coffee from What the Futures Podcast, Ryan Denis opens with canola, soybeans, corn and wheat before joining Ben Zelle of John Deere live at Ag in Motion.

They break down the new C1450T and C1100T air carts, including the 1,460-bushel capacity, five-tank design, faster conveyor filling, Easy Lift, AccuRate meters, EasyCal, JDLink logistics, blockage detection and retrofit options.

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Ryan Denis examines whether spring wheat could reach $12 per bushel, how geopolitical events are affecting wheat futures, and why farmers should prepare to use the current pricing opportunity.

Eric Dick and Lloyd Dick of Brett Young also join What the Futures Podcast to discuss succession planning, business growth, canola, tariffs, risk management, and leadership in Canadian agriculture.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

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Bill & Reg Lawn Company:
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Canadian Centre for Agricultural Wellbeing:
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National Farmer Crisis Line:
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UPL Canada:
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Western Ag PRS Cropcaster:
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Kali Dyck Foundation:
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On this Tuesday’s Cuppa Coffee from What the Futures Podcast, Ryan Denis and guest Chuck compare drowned-out Prairie acres with strong crop potential and explain what that split could mean for canola, wheat, peas, and lentils. They also discuss canola near $786, improving crush basis, rising urea prices, European heat, 2027 spring wheat, and China’s pea starch tariff.

Brownlee’s Ag Tech and the Full Bin Sensor 2:
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️ CROP MARKETING MADE COOL: UNHINGED 2026

Build your 2027 crop marketing plan alongside Ryan Denis and other progressive farmers, December 1–2 in Brandon, Manitoba.

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MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Brownlee’s Ag Tech and the Full Bin Sensor 2:
https://www.brownlees.ca

Ryan Denis breaks down the July crop marketing decision as canola jumps, basis improves, and Prairie crop conditions remain uneven. Ryan talks through when undersold farms may need to catch up, why being on plan may mean no action, plus wheat basis, smaller-acre crops, Ag in Motion, and Crop Marketing Made Cool.

Ryan Denis / Crop Marketing Made Cool Conference: https://www.ryandenis.ca/
Farm Help Line: 1-866-FARMS-01
Contact Ryan: [email protected]