TRIDENT IS charging more for molassed sugar beet feed this season, and with supplies likely to be tighter than last year, it is advising farmers to order early.

A 29t load of sugar beet pellets will typically cost about £95/t tipped on a midlands farm.

That is about £7/t more than last year, but more in line with the overall straights market, said Trident‘s George Perrott.

Prices for farms elsewhere will vary according to haulage costs.

Mr Perrott expected this year‘s tonnage to be about 50,000t down on last year at 550,000t and well below historical highs of 750,000t.