After several price increases in early autumn, the cost of cattle rations appears to have settled.

Merchants also report that demand has eased slightly after a period when feed mills were working to capacity, leaving volumes delivered during December in line with previous years.

Rolled barley is currently trading from £205/t to £210/t, with wheat £2/t to £3/t cheaper than barley. Normally, wheat prices run £5/t to £10/t ahead of barley prices, so it is currently a possible alternative energy source for cattle rations.

Maize meal is holding steady, with merchants reporting prices of £185/t to £190/t this week, making it extremely good value in comparison with barley and wheat. At the outlined prices, most merchants are maximising the levels of maize that can be used in rations.

Soya is priced at £325/t, with maize distillers costing £215/t. Soya hulls has seen a significant price reduction, falling from £215/t in October to £192/t now. Sugar beet pulp is priced around £205/t.

General-purpose 16% cattle rations are currently priced around £235/t to £240/t, depending on whether it is a blend or pellet, as well as the quantities being purchased.

Beef finishing rations containing 40% to 50% maize are moving from £220/t to £228/t, depending on whether rations contain acid buffers for higher rates of maize inclusion.

Dairy rations are still costing in excess of £260/t for a 20% protein blend, although many dairy farmers are purchasing through producer groups and availing of a discount.

Early prices for an 18% protein ewe ration are hovering around £250/t to £255/t.

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