Grain markets have eased during January, with imported barley down £26/t to £251/t.

Factoring in transport and handling fees, barley purchased on spot markets this week would cost between £280 and £290/t on farm.

Maize meal has also eased back, although by a much smaller margin. Imported maize is currently priced around £270/t, rising to around £300/t delivered on farm.

Soya

Soya remains extremely expensive and is ultimately preventing feed mills from lowering ration prices as barley drops in value.

Imported soya on spot markets is costing £540/t or close to £570/t on-farm. Distillers has eased by £20/t from early January and is costing £340/t to £350/t on farm.

Soya hulls are priced around £290/t on spot markets, before transport and handling, while quotes for sugar beet pulp are only available on purchase.

Rations

In early January, feed mills feared the rise in soya price would push up the price for high-protein rations next month.

However, the fall in barley is offsetting soya and the majority of feed mills are leaving ration prices unchanged heading in to February.

Farmers should note there is value in pricing around.

Beef finishing and growing rations continue to trade around £350/t up to £390/t depending on the protein content, and whether the feed is blended or pelleted, as well as the quantity purchased.

Ewe rations range from £390/t to £430/t, again depending on protein levels and ration type. Dairy rations are priced at similar levels depending on the specification.

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