Warmer temperatures this week and fast corn growth will likely put an end to sidedressing across much of the cornbelt, says Scott Manwarren, ammonia product manager for CHS. “In Indiana and Illinois, some ammonia tons have been lost to UAN because the corn is growing so fast.”

U.S. barge availability has tightened in recent weeks and is likely to be slim until the next inbound vessels arrive in August. Along with domestic demand, at least one company is loading vessels for export in July, which is putting further pressure on U.S. supplies, says Matt Bohan, urea product manager for CHS.

Winter wheat harvest is under way in the Plains States, but recent rains and slow grain ripening in some areas is putting growers a few days behind their usual harvest pace. “Rains last weekend interrupted some of the early harvest, but growers across much of the state are just getting into the fields the last few days,” reports Alan Goldsby, account manager for CHS Crop Nutrients.

This year’s wet spring has set up an above-normal potential for nitrogen deficiencies later in the growing season. According to Peter Scharf, University of Missouri soil scientist, whenever Missouri fields receive more than a foot of rain in the May-June period, yield loss due to N deficiency is likely.

When its takeover offer period ended Monday, June 22, Agrium had garnered tendered support from 62 percent of CF Industries shareholders. The company called the results a “compelling majority” and said it would extend its offer deadline to July 22.