Supporting farmers and growers during drought: Ballance Agri-Nutrients holds fertiliser prices
With drought officially declared in five regions and dry conditions continuing, Ballance Agri-Nutrients (Ballance) is holding the price of nitrogen steady to support farmers as they respond to feed deficits — and to set themselves up for the winter season ahead.
Despite significant pressure from rising global fertiliser prices and a weak New Zealand dollar, Ballance has made the decision to maintain current pricing for Urea and SustaiN for now – giving farmers the best chance to act while conditions remain suitable for growth and application.
Ballance Agri-Nutrients General Manager Customer, Jason Minkhorst, says the co-operative understands just how tough things are on the land right now.
“Every part of the country is feeling the pinch, especially when you’re trying to get feed into cows, beef cattle or sheep,” says Minkhorst.
“We know farmers are facing a lot of pressure, and holding pricing is one way we can help them make the most of the conditions while they’re still workable.”
With less time to recover in a dry autumn, farmers are being encouraged to act quickly once the rain arrives. Applying nitrogen after drought-breaking rain — ideally 20mm or more — can help spark much-needed growth before winter sets in.
Ballance is also encouraging farmers to get ahead by putting seed and DAP into the ground now, rather than waiting for moisture. This can be followed up with an application of Nitrogen later when the rain arrives.
“This could also be a good time to tackle paddocks that haven’t been pulling their weight,” says Minkhorst. “A spray-out and renewal plan now can help get things back on track for spring.”
With milk prices lifting and meat schedules improving, this is a crucial time to get ahead, and Ballance is committed to doing what it can to provide stability during this critical time.