Silage, concentrate costs add to cattle finisher concerns

AFTER a financial burning last spring many traditional winter-spring cattle finishers are seriously considering their options, even less favourable this time around due to the huge increase in the cost of concentrates, and the doubtful quality of silage on many farms.

Many are unwilling to take risks this winter, without a commitment from beef processors on the price they will pay next spring. Many farmers have opted instead to cut back concentrates, keep cattle ticking over on silage, and fatten them on grass in 2008.

That could leave a hole in the supply of finished cattle next spring, making it difficult for factories to fill their contracts, and driving the cattle price up temporarily.