Farmers in the east and west of the country are this year facing hugely contrasting fortunes with regard to winter fodder supplies.

Farmers in the west have enjoyed a relatively positive grass growing year, with prolonged periods of good weather occurring at key timeframes such as the lifting of prohibited cutting dates for hay meadows and providing ample opportunities to boost forage supplies.

As such, demand for hay and silage is subdued, with only small volumes changing hands. Round 4x4 bales of silage can be purchased at €25 to €30/bale, with keener deals in places for silage traded in high volumes or at lower feeding quality.

Hay bales range in price from €25 to €30 on average, with lower prices seen where sellers have no plan B to store hay.

There are some prices of €35 per bale being sought, but volumes traded at this level are reported as low.

In contrast, feed reserves in the east and many parts of the south have been depleted by drought conditions.

Supplies of hay on the market are low and any new offerings are being snapped up quickly. Hay is trading from €35 to €40 on average.

There are reports of higher prices being sought, but many farmers are exploring other avenues such as feeding meal unless quality is guaranteed.

It is a similar story with silage. Prices being sought for guaranteed high-quality silage and haylage are in the region of €38 to €40 per bale in the southeast.

Again, there are some reports indicating farmers have put silage on the market at prices of €45 to €50/bale, but again, buyers are reluctant as yet to rise to these prices.

As you progress further up the country, it is a similar story to the west, with silage trading from €28 to €34 per bale.

Sluggish straw trade

The straw trade has been described as dead in the water by some sellers this week. Round 4x4 bales are selling from €12 to €14 off the field in Wexford and Carlow, or €15 to €16 when delivered locally.

Prices of €15 to €17 are being sought as you progress up through Laois and Kildare, but reports suggest the level of trading is low and where available, some producers are opting to store straw.

This has reduced prices of straw delivered to the west, with prices ranging from €20 to €25 depending on distances travelled.

Straw baled in the west is trading on average from €18 to €23 per bale. Reports indicate demand is being tempered by reserves remaining after last winter and many farmers having sheds full with hay.

Alternative feeds

Early reports indicate the trade for fodder beet and maize will be brisk, with growers already receiving requests despite crops being a few weeks from harvesting.

There are no certain prices yet, but some quotes doing the rounds are €80/t to €100/t for maize and €60/t to €70/t for fodder beet collected from the yard or delivered locally. Upfront payment is also a factor in all deals described above.