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A number of feed merchants have increased the price of compound rations by as much as £5/t from 1 February, in response to increases for key energy and protein products.
This puts beef finishing rations on £208/t to £226/t for products containing 40% to 50% maize meal, with the more expensive rations also containing yeasts for rumen function.
General-purpose beef rations are moving from a base of £218/t to £220/t for a 16% protein mix, rising to £230/t. Discounts are being offered on early payment and for bulk deliveries, whereas half tonne bag purchases can add an additional £5/t to £8/t to the cost of a ration.
Dairy rations are priced around £240/t to £250/t with ewe rations from £245/t to £265/t depending on protein content and the inclusion of products such as Megalac.
Straights
Barley is currently moving on farm from £175/t to £190/t depending on quantities purchased, transport distance, and how much forward cover merchants have, as cereals prices have increased since the start of the year.
Wheat is costing close to £200/t delivered on farm. Maize meal has seen a small increase of £2/t to £3/t, with prices now moving into the low £190/t range.
Soya hulls remain extremely limited with prices ranging from £178/t to £184/t. Soya has increased to £320/t on farm, up £10/t from last month, with maize distillers trading around £205/t.
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