Compound Feed Rations Prices Must Reflect Lower Ingredient Costs – Mccarthy

IFA Inputs Project Team Leader James McCarthy has said that compound feeds mills must reduce ration quotes to reflect falling international feed ingredient prices, many of which have moved lower in recent weeks.

Mr McCarthy said, “Compound feed is by far the largest expenditure item on most livestock farms. With incomes for many livestock farmers under severe pressure, mills should reduce prices to reflect lower feed ingredient costs. Many of the by-products used to manufacture compound feed such as soya, corn gluten, distillers, citrus and soya hulls are significantly cheaper this season and this should be reflected in the price of compound feed. It is vitally important that rations are keenly priced so that livestock farmers can maintain competitiveness and restore incomes.

“With harvest coming to a close, grain off the combine or out of store represents the best value feed that money can buy. New processing and storage treatment options for grain are extremely flexible and cost effective. Farm-to-farm trade creates much needed competition, affording growers a greater market opportunity while livestock farmers can source competitively priced high performance quality feed at first cost.”