Livestock farmers are heading into the winter period with the highest feed costs on record. Cost increases of 35% to 45% between silage and concentrate costs look set to have a huge effect on farms this winter. Concentrate prices are up on average by €100/t to €120/t on the same time last year.

At farm level, it sees the average cost of taking a winter finishing animal through to beef increase by over €175/head. On a carcase weight of 390kg, this equates to an additional 45c/kg beef price required to absorb these costs.

In recent weeks, Teagasc has presented beef price figures of between €5.80/kg and €6.20/kg required next spring in order for finishers to break even. To leave just €100/head margin, these prices must increase by 30c/kg.

From a suckler cow perspective, increased silage costs are the main contributor to an additional €165/cow this winter, while an extra €100/head is required to feed a weanling over a five-month winter period.

On dairy farms, silage costs alone will add €100/cow to the winter feed bill, while on sheep farms the biggest impact will be felt by those finishing light lambs with an increase in feed costs in the region of €12/head to €15/head. For ewes housed for a two-month period, increased silage costs of €4/ewe to €5/ewe combined, with concentrate costs of €3/ewe to €6/ewe in late pregnancy, will increase wintering costs by €7/ewe to €11/ewe.

These price hikes are for feed costs alone and do not include increased energy prices set to impact farms this winter.