With the dry and hot weather impacting on grass growth, farmers across the country are reporting lighter silage and hay crops.
Hay prices for June are more than a third higher than those reported 12 months ago and act as a barometer of the increasing forage costs faced by farmers. The national average of £90 per tonne for meadow hay also masks some significant variations in regional prices.
The dry spell follows on from the coldest winter since the late 1970s, which saw snowy weather through to late March. That had already placed pressure on feed and bedding prices for livestock producers, and with slow grass growth, reduced yields of hay and silage have been experienced in most regions.
There is further concern about the availability of straw for bedding from the coming harvest, with variable yields anticipated there too.
In some parts of the country, forage is already being fed to livestock that would normally just be grazing.
With lower yields and little carryover of stocks, fodder availability will be a challenge for livestock producers later in the year.
Feed and fodder is already the largest single cost faced by livestock producers. For example, forage costs on the average dairy farm represent some 55% of variable costs.
The increased volumes of feed needed to be purchased off-farm means that many farmers face significantly higher costs of production in the autumn and winter ahead.
What's the picture where you are? We want you to tell us how your silage and/or hay yields compare to last year and if you’re anticipating fodder problems later in the year. Remember to include your whereabouts to give a picture of the situation across the country. Click here to have your say.
* The NFU Fodder bank is now open. Click here to find out about this member benefit.
* See also: Dairy farmers feel the heat
No comments have been made.