Phosphates, Hurricanes, and Fall Fertilizer Concerns

In this episode of The IL Corn Connection, host Stu Ellis dives into a pressing concern for farmers as Hurricane Milton threatens Florida's phosphate mines. This storm, with its worst-case scenario track, has raised alarms about its potential impact on fertilizer production.

Josh Linville, chief of fertilizers at Stone X, outlines the major concerns surrounding phosphate production. With millions of tons at stake, the hurricane’s path through Florida could disrupt supplies, driving up prices in an already tight market.

Josh highlights that while the production facilities are built to withstand hurricanes, factors like power outages and worker availability could delay operations. This disruption comes at a time when farmers are in the fields harvesting, leading to concerns about phosphate availability in the Midwest.

Tune in to hear more insights from Josh Linville and Amy Bradford as they discuss the broader implications of this storm on agriculture, farmer economics, and the challenges ahead for fertilizer markets.