Livestock rations look set to incur a further £10/t to £15/t price increase for May, as grain markets continue to experience uncertainty around the availability of key straights.

A number of merchants look set to apply the latest price rise from Monday of next week, while others indicate that they will hold off until the middle of next month.

Once applied, the cost of a high maize beef finishing ration will be in the region of £330/t, with a general purpose beef ration ranging from £330/t to £340/t.

Dairy rations will cost anywhere from £360/t to £390/t, depending on protein content.

Farmers that purchase concentrate feed through buying groups will incur a £80/t to £90/t increase on the ration prices set last October, when winter feed contracts were negotiated.

Straights

Spot prices for grain and proteins continue to rise, with mid-week quotes for imported rolled barley in the region of £380/t to £390/t on-farm, up £20/t to £30/t on prices from April.

Maize meal is trading around £350/t, with wheat at similar levels. Soya is only being quoted as price on application to purchase, but the indications mid-week are that around £540/t to £550/t will have to be paid to secure delivery on-farm.

Distillers is likely to cost in the region of £400/t on-farm, with gluten around £380/t.

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