Prices of concentrates have reduced by €10 to €15/t over the past two months an Irish Farmers Journal survey reveals.

Despite this, concentrates are in low demand due to surplus grass and excess silage reserves making farmers reluctant to purchase.

A significant variation in the cost of different rations was found, with dairy nuts ranging from €260/t to €296/t, beef nuts ranging from €255 to €300/t and sheep nuts from €268 to €300/t.

West

“Demand is low due to poor beef prices, the situation is very doom and gloom,” according to a Co Galway merchant, who would predominantly supply beef and sheep farmers.

Prices of beef nuts begin at €260/t for a 14% (crude protein) mix, with a 16% mix beginning at €270/t being most popular for feeding weanlings/stores. A 16% fattening lamb nut costs €280/t and a general mix costs €268/t.

Another merchant from Co Mayo has prices of €300/t for a 16% weanling ration, while a finishing nut is trading anywhere from €286/t to €300/t in the county, depending on the quality of the ration.

North

An animal feeds supplier in Co Monaghan noted: “Last year, beef farmers were feeding stock over the summer. That hasn’t happened this year, so demand is well down.”

Prices start with a standard 15% protein beef nut costing €265/t, a beef ration at €279/t, with the most common 12% finishing nut costing €288/t. A 14% dairy nut costs €296/t, while a fattening lamb nut costs €290/t. Prices include delivery.

South

One Cork supplier whose customers are predominantly dairy with some beef farmers stated: “Dairy sales have remained steady for the time of the year.

However, beef farmers aren’t purchasing meal, as they currently have no confidence in the market.”

Prices begin at €275/t for a 14% dairy and beef nut.

The supplier added: “Prices are currently in transition and are expected to reduce within the coming weeks when the new grain arrives.”

East

“We have had a few enquiries from beef farmers. However, they are unable to justify the costs,” according to one Co Kildare merchant.

The supplier indicated that prices begin at €255/t for a 14% beef nut, €270/t for a 14% dairy nut and €270/t for a fattening lamb nut.

Midlands

A feed supplier in the midlands commented: “Dairy sales have remained steady throughout the summer. However, beef farmers are reluctant to purchase feed due to market uncertainty.”

Prices of dairy and beef concentrates vary from €260 to €280/t, depending on ingredients used, with sheep concentrates costing €280 to €300/t (delivery included).

For the first time in the last year, farmers are starting to see barley being used as the main ingredient in weanling and finishing rations, with maize a popular option previously due to the increase in the cost of barley.

It’s important to remember that prices vary on the amount of meal purchased, quality and ingredients used.

Farmers must also remember to take into account the energy and true protein content of the ration.

Prices out of line

IFA inputs project team leader John Coughlan said compound feed prices are out of line with ingredient costs. He called on the industry to reduce ration prices immediately given the perilous state of the beef finishing sector.

He said: “Many compound feed mills are not reflecting the significant reduction in cereal prices, which, unfortunately for tillage farmers, are back by as much as €50/t.

“The failure by the mills to pass through the significant reduction in cereal costs is indicative of a major swing by compound feed manufacturers, over recent years, away from the use of native cereals to imported maize and by-products.”