Concentrate feed prices have increased by £5/t to £10/t in recent weeks on the back of rising grain prices and the weakening of sterling against the US dollar and euro.Barley has risen to £150/t, while wheat has jumped to £160/t. Maize meal is trading slightly over the £180/t mark.
Concentrate feed prices have increased by £5/t to £10/t in recent weeks on the back of rising grain prices and the weakening of sterling against the US dollar and euro.
Barley has risen to £150/t, while wheat has jumped to £160/t. Maize meal is trading slightly over the £180/t mark.
Some merchants indicate further price increases are expected and that this will be reflected with higher ration prices this autumn.
While exchange rate is undoubtedly a factor in higher prices, it is not the primary reason. Merchants point to the dry weather conditions experienced in Britain and parts of the EU during the first half of 2017.
With key major grain-producing regions suffering from drought-like conditions earlier this spring, harvest forecasts have been revised downwards on the back of reduced yields.
Soya
While grain prices have increased, soya prices have dropped significantly to £280/t this week. This week’s price drop has prompted some merchants in NI to enter the spot market and forward-buy for autumn and early winter at this price.
At present, merchants indicate that general purpose 16% beef rations are selling from £190/t to £210/t, with most high maize beef-finishing ration prices around £200/t. Dairy rations are trading from £210/t to £230/t depending on protein levels.
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