Worth looking at forward buying

It is worthwhile doing your winter feed budget now and planning what you will feed your cattle this winter. Only when you know the facts can you take action regarding what to buy, to supplement your home grown forages.

Accurate feed budgeting is essential. If you are not sure how to construct yours, seek expert advice; mistakes could prove very costly. Luckily, it has been a good year for quality forage production, so most silage, straw or hay for sale is likely to be of very good feed value. But take care not to buy feeds marketed as “great value”, but which are difficult to manage and feed.

With the current unrest in the Ukraine ( a major grain exporter), it may well be worth looking at forward buying of straights, because there could be some price volatility ahead. The barley price has already strengthened, in the last week. Forward buying does not mean paying for it now, it is agreeing a price so that your supplier can book forward from importers.