Green Pages Feed Trade Topics from the Island of Ireland
COMPOUND FEED TONNAGES UP BY 20 PER CENT IN NORTHERN IRELAND Compound feed usage on Northern Irish livestock farms increased by approximately 20 per cent during August 2017, compared with the same period in the previous year, according to Northern Ireland Grain Trade Association (NIGTA) president Dr Keith Agnew. “This is partly accounted for by the fact that many dairy and cattle
farmers have had stock in since July, as a result of the very bad weather. However, the latest feed trends also reflect a growing demand within the pig and poultry sectors. In fact, feed production has been at record levels for the period January to August 2017. “Currently, there are short term supply problems regarding the
availability of soya hulls and sugar beet pulp. However, these should be resolved by the New Year.” He added: “Abundant supplies of both grain and soya are likely to
be the key drivers for compound feed prices over the coming months. The weakness in Sterling relative to both the US Dollar and the Euro has served to push local feed prices up in proportionate terms. However, the currency-related impact on the prices paid for meat and dairy products is more than making up for this rise in input costs.” Agnew confirmed that the United States has just recorded a bumper harvest and this is now being replicated in South America. “The crop performance achieved in North America is worthy
of note. It was achieved in a year when weather conditions would, traditionally, have militated against the attainment of good yields. This, in turn, reflects the tremendous strides made by US plant breeders in developing new and improved crop varieties. “We have also seen a major investment in crop storage by farmers
across all of the world’s major cropping areas. Moving forward, this will allow farmers to be more strategic in the way they market their grain. “Selling directly of the combine at harvest is fast becoming a thing
of the past. And this may act to, at least, stabilise international grain prices moving forward.” The NIGTA president said that his organisation continues to place
tremendous emphasis on the further development of the Fortress Food initiative, which has been developed with the Queen’s University Institute for Global Food Security. “The scope of the scheme is being continuously expanded to include all feed compounders and grain importers,” he said. “And it is working. Analysis carried out this time last year highlighted the issue of enhanced mycotoxin levels contained within imported soya hulls. This, in turn, encouraged a UK-wide response to the problem.” Delivering continuous training and professional development
PAGE 24 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 FEED COMPOUNDER
opportunities for members of the Feed Adviser Register (FAR) in Northern Ireland is another NIGTA priority. “We are currently working with the FAR and CAFRE, in conjunction
with the Agricultural Industries Confederation to develop bespoke training schemes for advisors, specifically where the mitigation of greenhouse gas emission levels and other on-farm environmental challenges are concerned,” said Agnew. “These will be rolled out during 2018 and will allow registered feed
advisors to advise farmer clients on the entire range of environmental issues that now impact on farm businesses. The courses represent the third tranche of professional training made available to advisors, since the establishment of FAR in Northern Ireland.” Turning to Brexit, Dr Agnew expressed his disappointment at the
lack of political progress that has been made in Northern Ireland over recent months. “Given the political vacuum that now exists, NIGTA has been
liaising strongly with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs plus all the stakeholder groups, which represent farming and food in Northern Ireland. We have also liaised closely with feed trade colleagues in the rest of the UK and the Republic of Ireland. “The continuing uncertainty regarding the final Brexit outcome
remains the biggest challenge for farming and food in Northern Ireland. NIGTA is seeking a Brexit outcome which recognises the strategic importance of UK Agriculture and its ability to produce high quality food in a sustainable way through the efficient use of available resources.”
GLANBIA IRELAND SET FOR CONTINUED GROWTH. Glanbia Ireland CEO Jim Bergin believes that the business is set to secure continued growth in 2018. His confidence for the future is based on the tremendous record of achievement secured during the last 12 months. This positive sentiment was encapsulated in a New Year message to all Glanbia shareholders. “As we welcome the start of a new year, we can look back on
2017 as a year of strong productivity, low feed prices and strong milk prices,” he said. “The Irish dairy phenomenon rolls-on in Glanbia Ireland with a 9% increase in milk supplies in 2017. “Milk price increased steadily and has been at a high level for
the latter months with high solids. The autumn period has proved to be a revelation for farmers with very strong payments since the quota regime was abolished. “The Glanbia Ireland team performed very well during the year,
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