Comparison Tool

Co-op Pre-Pay vs Spot Price Comparison

Compare your co-op pre-pay offer versus expected spring spot pricing to calculate the real savings or risk.

Co-op Pre-Pay vs Spot Comparison

Input product

Volume (tons or gallons)

Co-op pre-pay price ($/unit)

Expected spring spot price ($/unit)

Months until delivery

Your cost of capital (%/year)

Pre-pay total cost—

Financing cost of pre-pay capital—

Pre-pay true cost (with financing)—

Expected spot purchase cost—

Net savings from pre-buying—

This calculator accounts for the time value of money — locking up capital early has a cost. A pre-pay discount needs to exceed your cost of capital to be truly beneficial. Current spring 2026 Corn Belt defaults: Anhydrous $960/ton pre-pay vs $1,040/ton spot.

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