Report on Agricultural Infrastructure Investment and Fertilizer Market Dynamics in the Context of Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Infrastructure Development for Sustainable Agriculture

A significant investment in agricultural infrastructure aims to enhance regional food production capabilities, directly supporting several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Indiana-based cooperative Superior Ag has initiated the construction of a $20 million fertilizer terminal on the Ohio River. This project is a critical step towards building resilient infrastructure as outlined in SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

Upon its completion in 12 to 18 months, the facility is projected to be a leading distribution site in the region, bolstering the agricultural supply chain for farmers in Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois. This development contributes to:

• SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): By improving farmer access to essential agricultural inputs, the terminal will support enhanced crop productivity and food security in the region.
• SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): The investment stimulates local economic growth by creating construction and operational jobs and strengthening the economic viability of the regional farming community.

2.0 Technological Innovation for Responsible Production

The new terminal incorporates advanced technology and automation to promote efficiency and sustainability, aligning with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). The facility’s design focuses on minimizing waste and ensuring product quality, which are crucial for sustainable agricultural practices.

2.1 Key Facility Specifications

1. Storage Capacity: A 32,000-ton dry fertilizer facility with 10 large bins for efficient segregation of different fertilizer types.
2. Receiving Systems:
   • 600 tons-per-hour (TPH) barge receiving system.
   • 300 TPH truck receiving system.
3. Shipping and Blending: 300 TPH blending and shipping capabilities, allowing a 25-ton truck to be processed in approximately five minutes.
4. Automation and Quality Control: Automated processes for applying stabilizers, micronutrients, and dust control agents ensure optimized fertilizer formulations. This precision supports targeted nutrient application, reducing environmental runoff and contributing to the protection of ecosystems under SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

3.0 Fertilizer Price Trends and Economic Viability

The economic accessibility of fertilizers is a key factor in achieving SDG 2 (Zero Hunger). Recent market data indicates significant price volatility, which can impact farmers’ production costs and, consequently, food affordability. An analysis of year-over-year prices reveals a substantial increase for most key fertilizers.

3.1 Year-Over-Year Price Comparison

• UAN32: +32%
• Urea: +28%
• UAN28: +24%
• Anhydrous: +13%
• DAP: +9%
• MAP: +8%
• 10-34-0: +5%
• Potash: -4%

3.2 Current Nitrogen Price Breakdown

On a per-pound-of-nitrogen basis, current average prices are:

• Anhydrous: $0.47/lb.N
• Urea: $0.70/lb.N
• UAN28: $0.75/lb.N
• UAN32: $0.78/lb.N

This price volatility underscores the importance of efficient supply chains and infrastructure, like the new Superior Ag terminal, to help mitigate cost fluctuations and ensure a stable supply of inputs for farmers.

4.0 Fertilizer Price Index Data (July 2024 – July 2025)

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger

  The article discusses fertilizers, which are essential for increasing agricultural productivity and ensuring food security. The construction of a large-scale fertilizer terminal directly supports the agricultural sector by improving the supply chain for these critical inputs.

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  The investment of $20 million in a new fertilizer terminal represents significant economic activity. This project contributes to local and regional economic growth by creating jobs during construction and operation and by supporting the productivity of the agricultural industry, which is a major economic driver.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

  This is a central theme of the article. It details the development of new, resilient infrastructure (the fertilizer terminal) and highlights its innovative features, such as high-speed loading systems and automation, which enhance efficiency and support industrial (agricultural) activity.

• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

  The new terminal’s design focuses on efficiency and quality control. Features like segregated bins, automation for stabilizers, and dust control systems promote the efficient use of fertilizer resources and can help minimize waste and environmental impact, contributing to more sustainable production patterns in agriculture.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger

   • Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers…
     
     Explanation: The article mentions the project is led by a “farmer-owned cooperative.” By improving the efficiency and reliability of fertilizer supply, the new terminal directly supports the goal of increasing agricultural productivity for the cooperative’s member farmers.
   • Target 2.a: Increase investment… in rural infrastructure…
     
     Explanation: The article explicitly states that “Superior Ag broke ground last week on a $20 million fertilizer terminal.” This is a direct investment in rural infrastructure designed to support the agricultural sector.

2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through… technological upgrading and innovation.
     
     Explanation: The terminal incorporates technological upgrades and innovation to boost productivity. The article highlights its “automation of key processes,” a “600 tons-per-hour (TPH) barge receiving system,” and a “300-TPH truck receiving system,” all of which are designed for maximum efficiency.

3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional… infrastructure, to support economic development…
     
     Explanation: The new terminal is a piece of regional infrastructure, as it “will serve farmers in southwestern Indiana, northern and central Kentucky, and bordering Illinois.” Its large capacity and efficient design make it a reliable and resilient asset for the region’s agricultural economy.
   • Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency…
     
     Explanation: The terminal’s features, such as the ability to “segregate efficiently different fertilizer types” and the “automation of key processes that include treatment for stabilizers, micros, dust control,” are designed to increase the efficiency of fertilizer handling and use, contributing to this target.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Investment in Agricultural Infrastructure

   The article explicitly states the investment value of “$20 million” for the new terminal. This is a direct financial indicator of investment in rural and agricultural infrastructure (relevant to Target 2.a).

2. Infrastructure Capacity and Efficiency

   Several quantitative indicators of the new infrastructure’s capacity are provided:

   • Total storage capacity: “32,000-ton dry fertilizer facility.”
   • Barge unloading speed: “600 tons-per-hour (TPH).”
   • Truck receiving/shipping speed: “300-TPH.”

   These metrics measure the quality and performance of the new infrastructure (relevant to Target 9.1).

3. Price of Agricultural Inputs

   The article is built around the “DTN Fertilizer Index,” providing extensive data on fertilizer prices. The tables and text list specific prices (e.g., “urea price was $0.70/lb.N”) and year-over-year price changes (e.g., “UAN32 by 32%”). This data serves as a key economic indicator of input costs for farmers, which relates to agricultural productivity and economic viability (relevant to Target 2.3).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: dtnpf.com