U.S. fertilizer transportation volumes have risen above average in early 2025, continuing a trend from 2024 as farmers prepare for increased corn planting, according to a new report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
During the first quarter of 2025, U.S. Class I railroads originated 58,901 fertilizer carloads, up 2 percent from the five-year average. BNSF Railway led the increase with volumes 12 percent above its average, while Union Pacific recorded a 10 percent increase.
Barge movements of fertilizer have similarly strengthened, with 3.0 million tons moving upriver through major locks during the first three months of 2025 — a 7 percent increase from the average.
The robust transportation activity follows a strong 2024, when railroads originated 251,252 fertilizer carloads (up 3 percent from average) and barges moved 11.7 million tons of fertilizer (up 5 percent from average).
The transportation surge aligns with USDA's March 31 Prospective Plantings report, which indicates farmers intend to plant 95.3 million acres of corn in 2025 — the largest corn acreage since 2013 and a 5 percent increase from 2024.
"Corn requires significant fertilizer applications — particularly nitrogen," the report noted, with farmers typically applying nitrogen to 95 percent of planted acres at an average rate of 150 pounds per acre.
Despite recent flooding on the Ohio River and delays related to Mississippi River lock closures, the transportation system appears well-positioned to meet the increased fertilizer demand throughout 2025.
