The cost of rolled barley has hit €400/t, as markets remain extremely volatile due to restricted supplies and fears for this year’s harvest in Ukraine.

A south Wexford farmer confirmed that he had been charged €400/t by Glanbia for rolled barley this week.

Reports within the feed industry claimed that barley supplies remain extremely tight, and that a €100/t “war premium” had been applied to domestic and imported stocks since Russia invaded Ukraine.

Prices at Aurivo increased by €30/t over the weekend

Prices for beef finishing ration are ranging between €360/t and €385/t and are around the €360/t to €365/t mark for a 14% protein dairy ration.

Prices at Aurivo increased by €30/t over the weekend and it is understood that another price rise is likely before the end of April.

A spokesperson for Dairygold told the Irish Farmers Journal that international feed markets are experiencing volatility and are trading at high price levels due to the ongoing geo-political situation.

“We are keeping prices under review to ensure we are offering a competitive price to our members.”

In Northern Ireland, beef finishing rations are making around £290/t (€347/t) to £295/t (€353/t) with a few mills quoting £300/t (€359/t).

Prices for rolled barley vary between £290/t (€347/t) for bulk up to £340/t (€407/t) on spot price.

Separately, Pat Ryan of Liffey Mills said the Department of Agriculture’s initiative to incentivise the sowing of more tillage crops had prompted increased demand for spring cereal seed.

Under the €12m scheme, farmers will be paid €300 to €400/ha for every additional hectare of cereals or fodder crops they plant in 2022.

There hasn’t been the same reaction in dairy areas

“There is certainly a bit of traction on the ground for the scheme. There is more demand for seed, particularly in drystock areas,” Ryan said.

“There hasn’t been the same reaction in dairy areas. There isn’t the room to do it in dairy areas; they’re too highly stocked,” he added.