The volume of concentrates being traded in ration, straights or pelletted form is slow, with merchants reporting a recovery in grass growth rates weakening demand.

Merchants have reported that they have not seen any major drop in sales, but that demand is regional, with higher volumes moving in areas receiving higher rainfall.

Merchants also say they have not seen any reduction in the cost of feeds, noting that while the grain is cheaper, other ingredients are becoming more expensive.

Soya prices are up, with the highest price quoted of €440/t, whereas rolled barley came in as the cheapest product, with the lowest price quoted at €170/t.

Dairy sales

Dairy sales seem to be the main mover, with beef sales slow to take off as farmers look to take advantage of grass growth for as long as they can.

Sales are starting to heat up, with farmers looking to finish steers and heifers off grass starting to feed, while there is growing interest in creep or weanling rations in spring-calving herds.

Sales are also slowly building from sheep farmers looking to boost lower than normal performance and kill-out.

As can be seen in Table 1, there is a wide range in price, with those in the west of the country facing the highest prices. Some merchants say this is being influenced by lower sales volumes moving, with many offering deals for bulk deliveries with savings of €10 to €25 between feed sold in half tonne compared to 25kg bags.

There is a word of advice for farmers – take note of the ingredients as some of the difference in price is often down to higher feed-quality ingredients being used.