It is certainly proving to be a challenging start to 2020. Poor weather, challenging returns, struggling winter crops, a big spring workload and an ongoing public health emergency have all contributed to the challenges.

Given the disruption to normal business over the past couple of weeks, it was inevitable that farmers became nervous about the supply of their inputs and feedstock. Ongoing efforts have been made by all sectors in the industry to ensure that disruption to supply is kept to a minimum.

However, in light of the ongoing challenges, 2020 could present an opportunity for farmers to shorten their feed supply chain by planting a purpose-grown fodder crop. This can be done either on their own land or under contract with a local tillage farmer. This may also help farmers better plan their feedstock and costs for the season, reducing their reliance on purchased feed.

Ongoing efforts have been made by all sectors in the industry to ensure that disruption to supply is kept to a minimum

Many tillage farmers have a disproportionately high spring area this year due to a poor autumn and lack of planting opportunities in January and February. Furthermore, winter cereals have suffered the effects of the tough winter, resulting in many patches of failed crops, some of which are large enough to warrant replanting. Growing a fodder crop this season for sale or for one’s own use could be a viable option to help spread the workload or replace a failed winter crop.

Agreement

This focus looks at some of the fodder crop options available to growers. Fodder production arrangements between farmers are nothing new. While there have been many success stories, there have also been plenty of examples where agreements were not in place or where they were reneged on.

Be clear from the beginning – both farmers involved in any arrangement must stand to gain. Livestock farmers expect a crop and tillage farmers expect to be paid on time. Agree a price before sowing the crop and place a deposit as a mean of security.