Feed prices continue to rise in NI with merchants adding another £5 to £10/t to compound rations from 1 December.

The higher increases are generally being applied where merchants deferred price rises last month. Across local feed companies, prices are up £20 to £25/t since early September.

For farmers purchasing beef rations this month, the latest price increases brings the cost of a 16% protein ration to between £230 and £240/t, with bulk orders moving at the lower end of that range.

For farmers buying smaller quantities in bulk bags, general-purpose rations are closer to £245/t.

At the start of autumn, general purpose beef rations typically cost £212 to £215/t, with finishing rations priced at £200 to £205/t.

A 50% maize finishing ration has now increased towards £228/t and £235/t for blends, with some pelleted feeds costing closer to £240/t.

Dairy

Dairy rations purchased in December are trading north of £260/t, depending on the levels of soya included. Back in early September, these rations were generally around £240/t

However, a significant number of dairy farmers are insulated from the current price increases with sizeable volumes of concentrate forward sold through purchasing groups.

Straights

For those buying straights, rolled barley has plateaued in value and is being delivered on farm around the £200 to £215/t mark. Maize meal has risen towards £230/t on farm as demand from China continues to inflate spot markets.

This also extends to soya, which is now costing £410 to £420/t delivered on farm.

Soya hulls is holding steady at £190 to £195/t, with maize distillers at £240 to £245/t.

The general outlook is that feed prices are unlikely to ease in the short to medium term.

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