Agrium Inc. has added a news release to its Investor Relations website.

CALGARY, ALBERTA, Jul 18, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) --ALL AMOUNTS ARE STATED IN US$

Agrium Inc. (TSX: AGU) (NYSE: AGU) announced today that it expects
its second quarter earnings to be in the range of $5.40 to $5.50
diluted earnings per share and the first half earnings to be in the
range of $6.72 to $6.82 diluted earnings per share. The estimate
excludes hedging gains or losses and share-based payments expense in
our first quarter actual results and estimated second quarter
results.(1) This revised earnings estimate is approximately 15
percent higher than the previously announced second quarter guidance
level and would represent a record earnings for the second quarter
and the first half of the year.(2)

"The increase in expected earnings is due to excellent results across
our entire crop input business, resulting from the continuation of
robust demand through June, despite the very early start to the
spring season. As a result, the second quarter EBITDA(3) for all
three business units is expected to be higher than the same period
last year. The outlook remains very positive, supported by the
significant increase in grain and oilseed prices globally due to
adverse weather in the U.S. and an expected tightening in
international crop input markets. Detailed financials and more colour
on our results and the outlook for our business and sector will be
provided in our second quarter financial results on August 2, 2012,"
said Mike Wilson, Agrium President and CEO.

The major assumptions made in preparing our first half guidance are
outlined below and include but are not limited to:

--  The consolidated income tax rate approximating 28 percent for the second
    quarter
--  The exclusion from the guidance range of the effects in the first half
    of:
    --  Share-based payments
    --  Gains or losses on hedge positions

(1) 2012 first quarter consolidated net earnings was $155-million
($0.97 diluted earnings per share). This included a pre-tax loss of
$13-million ($0.06 diluted earnings per share) on natural gas and
other hedge positions and a pre-tax share-based payment expense of
$64-million ($0.29 diluted earnings per share).

(2) Earnings estimates are subject to completion of quarterly
financial close processes and approval from Agrium's Board of
Directors.

(3) Earnings from continuing operations before finance costs, income
taxes, depreciation and amortization.

About Agrium

Agrium Inc. is a major Retail supplier of agricultural products and
services in North America, South America and Australia and a leading
global Wholesale producer and marketer of all three major
agricultural nutrients and the premier supplier of specialty
fertilizers in North America through our Advanced Technologies
business unit. Agrium's strategy is to grow across the value chain
through acquisition, incremental expansion of its existing operations
and through the development, commercialization and marketing of new
products and international opportunities. Our strategy places
particular emphasis on growth opportunities that both increase and
stabilize our earnings profile in the continuing transformation of
Agrium.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements and other information included in this news
release constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning
of applicable Canadian securities legislation or constitute
"forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable U.S.
securities legislation (collectively, the "forward-looking
statements"). All statements in this news release, other than those
relating to historical information or current conditions, are
forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements
as to management's expectations with respect to: future crop and crop
input volumes, demand, margins, prices and sales; business and
financial prospects; and other plans, strategies, objectives and
expectations, including with respect to future operations of Agrium.
These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and
uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which could
cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking
statements.

All of the forward-looking statements are qualified by the
assumptions that are stated or inherent in such forward-looking
statements, including the assumptions listed below. Although Agrium
believes that these assumptions are reasonable, this list is not
exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the forward-looking
statements and the reader should not place an undue reliance on these
assumptions and such forward-looking statements. The key assumptions
that have been made in connection with the forward-looking statements
include Agrium's ability to successfully integrate and realize the
anticipated benefits of its already completed and future
acquisitions, including the acquisition of retained AWB businesses
and the proposed acquisition of the Agri-products business of
Viterra.

Events or circumstances that could cause actual results to differ
materially from those in the forward-looking statements, include, but
are not limited to: general economic, market and business conditions,
weather conditions including impacts from regional flooding and/or
drought conditions; crop prices; the supply and demand and price
levels for our major products; governmental and regulatory
requirements and actions by governmental authorities, including
changes in government policy, government ownership requirements,
changes in environmental, tax and other laws or regulations and the
interpretation thereof, and political risks, including civil unrest,
actions by armed groups or conflict. There is a risk that the
Egyptian Misr Fertilizers Production Company S.A.E. ("MOPCO")
nitrogen facility in Egypt may not be allowed to restart production
or proceed with the completion of the two new facilities.
Additionally, there are risks associated with Agrium's acquisition of
AWB, including: size and timing of expected synergies could be less
favourable than anticipated; AWB is subject to dispute and litigation
risk (including as a result of being named in litigation commenced by
the Iraqi Government relating to the United Nations Oil-For-Food
Programme), as well as counterparty and sovereign risk; and other
risk factors detailed from time to time in Agrium reports filed with
the Canadian securities regulators and the Securities and Exchange
Commission in the United States. Furthermore, there are risks
associated with the proposed acquisition of the Agri-products
business of Viterra, including: completion of the acquisition of
Viterra by Glencore International plc and the subsequent acquisition
of the assets proposed to be purchased by Agrium, as well as the
timing thereof; the receipt of the necessary regulatory approvals in
respect of the assets proposed to be purchased by Agrium and the
satisfaction of other conditions precedent to closing; potential
liabilities associated with the assets proposed to be assumed by
Agrium, which may not be known to Agrium at this time due, in part,
to the fact that the nature of the transaction did not allow for
Agrium to complete customary due diligence prior to entering into the
agreement to purchase the assets; and the amount of the final
purchase price for the purchased assets.

Agrium disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any
forward-looking statements in this press release as a result of new
information or future events, except as may be required under
applicable U.S. federal securities laws or applicable Canadian
securities legislation.

Contacts:
Agrium Inc.
Richard Downey
Vice President, Investor/Corporate Relations
(403) 225-7357

Agrium Inc.
Todd Coakwell
Manager, Investor Relations
(403) 225-7437

Agrium Inc.
Mark Thompson
Analyst, Investor Relations
(403) 225-7761

SOURCE: Agrium Inc.