A massive demand for feed has been reported by many feed merchants throughout the country as farmers look to concentrates to stretch fodder supplies until grass growth kicks in.

Several merchants have made the decision not to sell straights anymore, as they are needed for their own compound feeds. Difficultly has also been reported when it comes to merchants sourcing straights, with one merchant admitting he has been approached by several feed mills for straights over the past few weeks.

Variation

A large variation of €62/t has been seen in prices that farmers are being quoted for a beef finishing nut. While it can be difficult to compare like for like unless merchants are more transparent about the exact inclusion rates of ingredients in their meal, for the purpose of this survey a finishing beef nut was sought. The protein content of the nut varied between 12% and 16%, while all prices were quoted for collection from the yard.

The highest prices quoted were in Mayo and Limerick, with quotes of €281/t and €282/t respectively for a 15% to 16% protein nut. Following this, quotes of €240/t were received for a 12% protein nut in Wicklow and Cork, again to be fed to finishing cattle. Prices in Donegal ranged from €220 to €230/t, with the higher price reflecting a 15% protein nut.

Prices in Meath varied from €225 to €235/t for a 13% nut depending on the ingredients sought. €240/t was quoted in Tipperary for a 13% high-energy nut to be used for intensive feeding. The cost of delivery can vary from €0 to €15/t, depending on a number of factors including the quantity of inputs purchased, frequency of deliveries and the distance from the co-op.

There can be a big difference in the quality of the ration that you are getting, so it pays to not just look at the price but the ingredients present in the ration also.

On a feed label, ingredients will be listed in decreasing quantity within the ration. You want a ration that has high quantities of cereals, pulps and distillers, while soya bean meal is the best protein source. You want to try to stay away from the lower-quality feeds such as sunflower, palm kernel and gluten.