Animal feed merchants report steady demand for compound rations this winter, with little change to the price of cattle rations.

Rolled barley continues to sell around £215/t with discounts available on large volumes purchased and payment on delivery.

Maize meal remains extremely good value relative to barley, despite a small price increase of £2 to £5/tonne, which brings it to £188 to £190/t.

Soya prices remain steady at £310 to £315/t

Merchants continue to use high levels of maize meal in rations as an alternative to barley, thereby helping to control ration prices.

Soya hulls have eased considerably from early autumn prices when delivery onto farm cost farmers in excess of £200/t. Current prices for soya hulls are £166 to £170/t.

Soya prices remain steady at £310 to £315/t.

It means prices for a 16% protein beef growing ration remain around £230 to £235/t with high maize finishing rations costing around £225/t.

Dairy rations are still priced at £260 to £270/t depending on the protein level and ingredients used.

Ewe rations are priced from £255/t for a simple 18% blend to £280/t for 19% rations with added megalac.

When purchasing a ewe ration, farmers should carefully consider the quality of ingredients included.

Lower priced rations may appear good value, but can often contain by-products to reduce costs. These ingredients are often inferior to cereal and soya based rations.

Minerals

Pre-calving minerals are costing from £750 to £1,000 depending on the type of products and level of minerals included.

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