Record high fertilizer prices are increasing the cost of production for farmers and require increased fertilizer management. Pioneer Field Agronomist John Gutenkauf covers central South Dakota. He says nitrogen fertilizer prices are double the price of a year ago which is greatly increasing production costs per acre of corn planted.

He says even with the high prices more farmers applying fertilizer this fall because of the concern about spring availability as some retailers won’t guarantee prices or inventory for spring.

Gutenkauf has various recommendations for protecting the nitrogen fertilizer applied this fall and putting together a management program. He says it starts with a soil test.

He also recommends in season nitrogen or split fertilizer applications to even out the cost and variable rate applications if that is an option.