Feed mills are quoting an increase in bulk feed prices of between €15/t and €30/t. This could see farmers paying €280/t to €300/t, depending on delivery type and ration specification.

The increase in grain prices is the main contributor, with output for harvest 2018 expected to be down by almost 30% on last year. “The main driver is grain and fibres like soya hulls and beet pulp,” said Pat Ryan from Liffey Mills, adding that his feed prices are up by between €15/t and €20/t. “We’ll be hopeful that with raw material prices the way they are, that we can hold at that.”

By comparison to this week last year, prices are on the increase; maize prices are up 12%, soya 8%, wheat 30%, barley 38% and mid-protein 23%.

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A spokesperson for Connolly’s Red Mills said that its bulk prices will increase by €25/t from 1 September. “We’re hoping that this is the last rise, that this will take us all the way through,” the spokesperson said. “It’s totally driven by ingredients.”

Co-ops would not give an indication on what effect ingredient costs are having, but said that an increase would be inevitable when prices are decided from mid-September onwards.

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Grain output down around 30%