Watch feed markets for best deals

He believes high levels of global protein supply means the European supply situation will eventually ease, probably in summer. He recommends covering all protein requirements to the end of June now, then to watch the markets carefully for opportunities to book forward for the rest of summer and winter.

Alternatively, he says, many dairy farmers are switching from soyabean meal to heat-treated rapemeal, saving the equivalent of up to £40-£50 per tonne.

“It’s worth looking at a high protein blend containing a rumen-protected soyabean meal to reduce reliance on soyabean meal and save maybe £15 to £20 per tonne,” he says.

Securing part of the winter’s energy feed requirements on forward contracts during the next few months is likely to be a wise move, says Mr Black.

UK cereal prices firmed in spring, but with new crops looking good, no real weather threats to the main northern hemisphere growing regions and global wheat stocks at an eight-year high, the outlook is for prices to come back once harvest begins.

“At present, both maizemeal and sweetstarch are better value for those needing starch energy, with processed bread also a good option bought forward for summer,” he says.

“Digestible fibre-based energy is more difficult. Most sugar beet feed has sold out for the summer and there are limited supplies of soya hulls until new crop material arrives, typically on the same ships bringing soyabean meal.

“Wheatfeed is currently dropping in price and looking like excellent value later in the summer. Look to cover immediate needs only for cereals and fibre-feeds, but maybe 25 to 50 per cent of summer requirements for other starch feeds to guard against unexpected price rises.”

Best value

Mr Black is urges all dairy producers to ensure they get the best value feed solutions for both the summer and next winter.

Moist feeds will feature highly on many feed shopping lists, although supplies are likely to be more limited.

“The days of simply picking up the phone and re-ordering exactly the same feeds as last year are long gone,” he says. “It really is a case of working out what you need in terms of nutrients, then speaking to your feed suppliers to find the best possible solutions.

“Don’t be shy about looking at contracts right through to April 2010 if the price is right.”

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