Planning reference, not a live quote: ranges on this page are modeled from public benchmarks and regional assumptions. Confirm the dated local offer, freight, application, delivery window, payment terms, and expiration before acting.
California is the nation's top agricultural revenue state, with the Central Valley, Salinas Valley, and Imperial Valley supporting grapes, almonds, lettuce, dairy, and cotton. Urea has a modeled planning range of $462–$572/ton in California markets as a 2026 planning reference, reflecting Pacific supply chain conditions.
| Benchmark | Price | vs. 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| NOLA barge (national reference) | $420–$520/ton | +15–25% |
| California co-op / distributor | $462–$572/ton | +25–35% |
| California retail delivered | $475–$588/ton | +27–37% |
Use this range to prepare questions, not to make a purchase decision. Confirm the dated source evidence and the actual local delivered quote before acting.
California sources fertilizer via San Francisco Bay, Los Angeles, and Central Valley distributors; nitrogen from Trinidad-based LNG and liquid ammonia terminals; phosphate via Long Beach port.
| Driver | Impact |
|---|---|
| China nitrogen export restrictions | China restricted nitrogen exports through August 2026, removing significant global supply. |
| Natural gas cost floor | Natural gas represents 70–80% of urea production cost; European gas prices remain elevated. |
| NOLA barge benchmark | U.S. urea prices are indexed to New Orleans barge prices; inland premium reflects freight to your state. |
| Domestic vs. import balance | U.S. imports about 40% of urea needs; import parity sets the ceiling on domestic prices. |
California farmers typically source Urea through regional co-operatives, independent retailers, and direct distributor contracts. Compare the complete written terms of each local offer; freight, application, financing, storage, delivery window, and quote expiration can matter as much as the headline price.
The modeled planning range for Urea in California is approximately $462–$572/ton. It is not a live local quote. Confirm the supplier, product, freight, application, delivery, payment, and expiration terms.
California sits in the Pacific supply zone. California sources fertilizer via San Francisco Bay, Los Angeles, and Central Valley distributors. Premiums over NOLA benchmarks typically run 10–18% depending on season and logistics conditions.
Seasonal programs can change freight, financing, storage, application, and delivery terms. Compare the complete written offer and decision window; GrainBrief organizes dated evidence but does not tell a buyer exactly when to act.
GrainBrief puts dated public benchmarks beside the local quote details you enter so you can compare terms with clearer context.
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