Feedstuffs and straw are moving in earnest as March arrives with most stock still housed. Prices, however, are only inching up.

Silage is barely making enough to cover production costs, with suggestions it might be worthwhile to leave an unopened pit sealed for next year and buy bales instead at current prices.

A big issue for farmers selling fodder, feed and straw is getting prompt payment

Stocks on hand leave farmers well placed to cope if March sees no chance to get stock out onto land.

Beet and maize are also finally moving, but again, prices are dull. A big issue for farmers selling fodder, feed and straw is getting prompt payment.

Cattle numbers

Mayo straw agent Pat Kelly says the impact of lower numbers of cattle in the west is being felt.

“Demand is down – we won’t run out of straw this winter. Farmers are only buying what they need and what they can pay for.”

While straw prices ex-shed are picking up, the prices of last spring are now a distant memory, with €12 for a 4x4 bale ex-shed half what was being paid 12 months ago.