Feed trade quiet as livestock munch grass

By FWi staff

SALES of ruminant straights have slackened off. Most livestock are now grazing outdoors, despite the recent floods which waterlogged many fields across central England.

But some straights are selling well, even though May is traditionally a quiet time of year for feed sales. Screened maize gluten is this weeks best performer, says Robert Holden of Reading-based suppliers Straights Direct.

“Most farmers will take at least one load over the summer,” he says. Domestic maize gluten is available at £76/ tonne, £3 down on the week. Imported supplies cost £83/ tonne.

Meanwhile, the rest of the market remains quiet. Other price movements in the past few days have been restricted to just two categories.

Home-produced distillers dried pellets dropped £3 to £111/ tonne and imported soyameal dropped £4 to £154/ tonne. Traders say demand for feed is likely to remain low as farmers continue to take advantage of this seasons grass.