Nitrogen Prices
Urea Price in Illinois — Spring 2026
GrainBrief — Updated May 2026 — USDA AMS, FRED, EIA data
Urea is priced at $405–$500/ton in Illinois in spring 2026. Illinois urea prices are at or below Corn Belt average due to direct river barge access and high distributor competition.
Illinois Price vs. National Benchmark
| Market | Price Range | vs. 2025 |
|---|
| Illinois retail average | $405–$500/ton | +19% |
| Corn Belt average | $420–$520/ton | +25–30% |
| NOLA barge reference | $390–$470/ton | +20–25% |
What Drives Illinois Urea Pricing
Illinois urea prices are at or below Corn Belt average due to direct river barge access and high distributor competition.
- Compare quotes to USDA AMS benchmark — USDA publishes weekly retail fertilizer prices by region. If your quote is more than 8% above benchmark, push back.
- Watch NOLA barge prices — terminal prices follow NOLA barge within 2–3 weeks. A barge price drop signals incoming retail relief.
- Pre-buy fall applications before August — China export restriction decisions in August will move the market; pre-buying locks in current prices.
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