Feed mills in NI are preparing to add up to £20/t to ration prices over the coming weeks, in response to higher energy costs.

Most suppliers indicate that price rises will take effect from 1 May, although some mills have suggested revised price lists could be set as soon as next week.

The price rise is mostly down to higher energy costs associated with manufacturing rations and haulage.

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The cost of most ingredients for livestock rations has been reasonably steady over recent months and is a lesser factor contributing to the imminent price rises.

“We have been absorbing higher energy costs since the start of March and are only starting to pass it on to customers now.

“If energy prices do not soon settle, this won’t be the last price rise before the summer,” said one local feed rep.

Until now, feed prices have been generally left unchanged this spring. Current price lists have typical dairy rations costing from £305 to £330/t, depending on supplements and buffers.

Prices for beef rations also depend on the exact specification, but general beef mixes range from £255/t to £275/t based on April price lists.