Input price monitor: Share your figures

The forces of change are at work in the farm inputs market, with the cold weather driving up the wholesale price of red diesel and animal feed. Fertiliser is also feeling the upward pressure in response to global market forces.

But what are you seeing at farmgate level? We want to know, so why not log on to our Inputs Price Monitor and enter details of your recent input purchases.

The survey is strictly anonymous and takes less than 10 minutes to complete. Yet it provides the whole industry with crucial data on how much key inputs cost, allowing farmers to benchmark their businesses and buy with confidence.

“In December, we saw home-produced ammonium nitrogen averaging £187/t,” said NFU inputs adviser Peter Garbutt. “With prices firming from November, and many sources predicting a bull market in 2010/11, your participation will help the industry track any increases and anticipate future rises.”

Fuel prices were relatively static last month, with red diesel at around 44-46ppl. “But with Farmers Weekly now reporting price spikes of 3p/litre and more in mid-January, it’s important that as many people as possible get involved in monitoring prices by using the survey,” said Mr Garbutt.

“Compound feed prices have also been reported to be increasing by £5-7/tonne this month on the back of higher raw material prices. Is this being reflected in the orders being placed on the ground?

“Only if enough farmers take part can we ensure the results are representative of your area and to give you the best possible information on the deals your neighbours are making.”

Farmers have just over a week left to complete the January survey, so if you have not already done so, please visit the site now and get involved.

For previous months’ results click here