With no indications that fertiliser prices will ease in the next two years, it is critically important that growers look to secure stocks early, according to Australian Fertiliser Services Association SA president, Craig Swan.

"With worldwide high demand, the price for fertiliser will remain strong," he said.

"It may remain steady at best but I can't see it coming off at all."

Mr Swan said it was critically important that a "blanket" approach to fertiliser use was not taken.

"I'd recommend farmers start early in preparing for their requirements for the 2009 season," he said.

"Later in the year farmers should keep an eye out for early incentives from manufacturers.

"The good news is that there is a huge demand for the commodities that farmers are producing, and gross margins still look good for farming."

Also on the positive side are indications that fertiliser supply issues have been sorted out.

"We saw terrible instances of short supply in 2007 and the companies were aware of that and made sure they didn't have any problems in 2008," he said.

"The only supply issue now is with low-analysis single super, which is purely from demand outstripping manufacturing capability."

* Extract from a full report in Stock Journal, SA, July 24 issue.