Montana is a major dryland wheat, barley, and pulse crop state with the Hi-Line wheat belt and Yellowstone Valley supporting large-scale grain production. MAP (Monoammonium Phosphate) is currently priced at $744–$864/ton in Montana markets as of spring 2026, reflecting Pacific Northwest supply chain conditions.
| Benchmark | Price | vs. 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| NOLA barge (national reference) | $620–$720/ton | +15–25% |
| Montana co-op / distributor | $744–$864/ton | +35–45% |
| Montana retail delivered | $763–$886/ton | +37–47% |
MAP and DAP prices move in tandem. Hold pre-buying beyond immediate needs until August China restriction decision.
Montana depends on Pacific Northwest rail terminals and Canadian potash; fertilizer premiums run 15–22% over NOLA, some of the highest in the lower 48.
| Driver | Impact |
|---|---|
| China phosphate export restrictions | Phosphate export ban through August 2026 is the dominant price driver for MAP. |
| DAP substitution | MAP and DAP have similar P2O5 content; buyers switch between them, compressing the spread. |
| Ammonia feedstock | MAP production requires ammonia; natural gas prices set the floor. |
| Global demand centers | Brazil and India phosphate demand affects global allocation to U.S. importers. |
Montana farmers typically source MAP (Monoammonium Phosphate) through regional co-operatives, independent retailers, and direct distributor contracts. The most effective strategy in Pacific Northwest markets is to compare co-op pre-pay pricing versus spot retail, as pre-pay discounts of 5–12% are standard for early fall bookings.
As of spring 2026, MAP (Monoammonium Phosphate) in Montana is priced at approximately $744–$864/ton. Prices vary by county, co-op, and contract type. GrainBrief tracks weekly USDA AMS price reports and sends price alerts when signals change.
Montana sits in the Pacific Northwest supply zone. Montana depends on Pacific Northwest rail terminals and Canadian potash. Premiums over NOLA benchmarks typically run 20–28% depending on season and logistics conditions.
Historically, fall pre-buy programs (August–October) offer the best pricing for the following spring application season. In-season spot prices during March–June carry a 5–15% logistics premium. GrainBrief's weekly signal tells you exactly when to act.
GrainBrief tracks USDA AMS, FRED, and EIA data weekly and sends you a buy, hold, or negotiate signal. Stop guessing. Start buying on data.
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