GM feed ban unlikely this winter

By FWi staff

THE issue of genetically modified cattle feed has not gone away, but it appears unlikely that any ban on GM ingredients will be introduced for this winter.

Milk buyers would like farmers to use GM free feed, but there will be no need to do so within the next six months, predicted Ian Tremain of Mole Valley Farmers.

So far this year, the uncertainty surrounding GM feed has led to fewer forward sales of soya, much of which is of the GM variety imported from the US.

Mr Tremain said farmers should not panic at the sharp increases in soya prices in recent weeks.

The US soya crop is at the critical pod-filling stage and yields could be severely affected if the weather continues to stay dry and hot.

“Farmers must get some clarification from their milk buyers, but should get some winter cover [and buy soya] now,” said Mr Tremain.

Shippers, who have to buy on the spot market wont be selling supplies of soya cheaply, he warned.

“Farmers must not leave themselves exposed to the spot market all through the winter,” Mr Tremain added.

High protein soya bean meal climbed £1 over the week at £132/t while Brazilian 48% pellets and meal rose £2 at £126/t.

Although the move was small this week, an overall rise of about £8/t has been experienced in recent weeks.

Other price movements of the week were distillers dried home produced pellets and imported meal which climbed £2 to £120/t and £108/t respectively.

Traders believe both feeds will become more popular in the coming months as producers move away from GM ingredients.

Imported Maize gluten climbed £3 at £88/t, citrus pulp fell £4 to £94/t, and the volatile market for home-produced rapeseed meal saw prices drop £1 to £88/t.