Cattle rations have seen upward price pressure since the turn of the year with merchants adding £5 to £10 to beef and dairy rations.

The price increase is being driven by a number of factors. Key straights such as barley and soya have risen in value, with rolled barley now trading at £172/t to £178/t.

Soya has risen by £10/t to between £305/t and £310/t. Wheat continues to sell for £5/t to £8/t above barley.

The price of minerals has escalated in recent weeks due to reduced availability, and merchants have had to increase ration prices as a result.

Straights

In terms of other straights, supplies of soya hulls remain limited. Current prices for hulls are around the £176/t to £180/t mark.

Gluten and distillers have seen price increases this month and are now selling for £170/t to £175/t, and £185/t, respectively.

Given the price of barley, maize meal is currently good value for money around the £175/t mark.

Rations

High-maize beef finishing rations are selling around £200/t to £205/t, but merchants indicate there are discounts of £5/t to £8/t on bulk orders and payment on delivery.

A 20% dairy ration is moving at £230/t, while an 18% ewe ration is moving at a similar price, with a 19% ewe ration selling for £235/t.

Fertiliser

Merchants also report plenty of early season buying on fertiliser by dairy farmers. Prices for CAN are £225/t, with the first price quotes on urea at £300/t.