Feed and fertiliser prices stay steady

Quotes for livestock rations in NI remain steady, and the outlook from feed reps is that price lists are likely to stay largely unchanged into the early autumn.

The main bulk of dairy rations runs from £280/t to £330/t, with exact prices dependent on protein levels and the inclusion of supplements and buffers.

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Similarly, general purpose beef cattle rations are around £260 to £280/t.

Lamb pellets start from £285/t for fattening rations, but intensive mixes which have higher protein levels are around the £300 mark.

Fertiliser

The prices being quoted for fertiliser in NI have also steadied after a series of price hikes were introduced by manufacturers in June on the back of regional tensions in the Middle East.

In general, quotes for CAN fertiliser are around £365 to £375/t. Compound products such as 27-4-4 run from £425 to £440/t.

Queen’s to offer new agriculture degree

Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) is to offer a new degree in agriculture from September 2026, the Irish Farmers Journal understands.

The new Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in agricultural sciences will be available as a three-year course. There will be an optional professional studies module with the degree which involves an extra one-year work placement.

It is understood that QUB are also planning to roll out a new BSc degree in veterinary biosciences, as well as a master of science degree in the same topic.

As reported last week, QUB has confirmed that it is to end its long running partnership with CAFRE Greenmount delivering the BSc degree in agricultural technology.

The degree, which is taught at Greenmount in the first two years and QUB in the final year, will have its last intake of students in September 2025.

NI is not prepared for bluetongue, say vets

Vaccines for bluetongue should be approved for use in NI to help with preparation for a potential disease outbreak, a group of local vets has said.

In a statement, the Association of Veterinary Surgeons Practicing in NI (AVSPNI) said a lack of approved vaccines means NI is “disadvantaged and under-prepared”.

At present, NI is the only region of the UK where bluetongue vaccines are not authorised for use.

The risk of the viral disease reaching NI has increased in recent weeks on the back of new season cases confirmed in England and a rise in seasonal midge activity.

“There is a strong case for vaccinating in an organised manner now, rather than doing so in haste after clinical cases have already been identified,” reads the AVSPNI statement.

Flying start for store lamb trade

Sales of store lambs at livestock marts across NI are off to a flying start for the 2025 season.

At Markethill on Monday, top prices included £128 for light stores at 13.6kg half weight and £125 for 14.5kg half weights. Heavy lambs also continue to meet a strong trade with 25kg half weight lots selling to £158 and mid-weight lambs at 21kg half weight making £143. In the factories’ agents have added 20p/kg to lamb prices this week which sees base quotes starting from 690p/kg, although more is available for regular suppliers.