Fertiliser sales are slow with weak demand, predominantly due to the majority of first-cut silage being made around the country during the good weather two weeks ago and fertiliser spread again for grazing or second-cut silage.

However, in some parts where fertiliser was not put out until late, silage is still to be made. With settled weather forecast for this weekend, farmers are expected to complete their first-cut silage.

Merchants around the country have reported a lull this week, but are expecting the finishing up of first-cut silage to have a knock-on effect, leading to increased demand.

Merchants are reporting that the majority of fertiliser sold over the last number of weeks is CAN (27% N), as stocks of the cheaper alternative per-unit nitrogen, urea, are virtually non-existent across the country, except in small lots for €360/t.

Prices of €255/t for big bags of CAN delivered were quoted in the west, with prices as low as €235/t available in the midlands. Prices of between €242/t and €252/t were quoted in the south and southeast, depending on the quantity purchased, with €2/t off some for larger orders of over 10t.

Quantities of 18:6:12 being purchased has increased over the past week, with prices ranging between €350/t and €360/t and fairly consistent across the country.

Cut sward (24:2.5:10) is being purchased for prices between €360/t and €370/t. Pasture sward is generally €10/t cheaper, trading at €355/t in most parts.

10:10:20 is trading between €380/t and €390/t with most merchants. However, quantities purchased remain low.

Meal costs

Prices for a beef finishing nut containing 16% protein between €255/t and €277/t if purchased in bulk, depending where in the country you are located, with the lower prices quoted in the south.

A 16% protein lamb finisher nut is trading for €284/t, with the 18% protein lamb finisher nut higher at €300/t, both for bulk orders.

Autumn-calving farmers are also buying weanling rations in large quantities, with merchants quoting prices of between €270/t and €303/t for a 16% protein weanling nut.

The dairy nut that co-ops have available varies between 14% and 18% protein, with cows requiring the lower protein meal at this time of year due to strong grass growth. An 18% protein dairy nut is trading between €275/t and €287/t, while a 14% protein dairy nut is available from merchants for €245/t. Prices for a 16% dairy nut in small 25kg bags was quoted at €300/t.