Using blended feeds instead of straights could become more feasible according to KW feeds as input costs continue to rise.

Typically blended feeds have been too expensive for some producers but a rise in haulage and fuel costs could make them a more attractive option.

“Livestock farmers are finding themselves in a ‘catch 22’ situation – they take the biggest load sizes they can to cut haulage costs, but end up with even greater amounts of capital tied up in individual straights. Combined with feed prices that have doubled in many cases, it’s putting a massive strain on cash flows, increasing overdraft interest charges and taking up a substantial amount of space that can’t be used for anything else,” KW’s Ruth Clayton said.

“If you add up what this really costs, there’s very little difference between sourcing individual loads of a single custom blend versus buying and storing maybe five or six straights plus supplements,” she adds.

But why choose blends? Reduced time spent blending and mixing is one reason, a benefit as it reduces farms labour costs. Blended feeds can also offer more accuracy and consistency compared to bought in straights due to them being pre-mixed.

“There’s also the ability to change formulation, ingredients or specification whenever you want, and access to capital previously tied up in feed for investment elsewhere in the business,” Ms Clayton added.

Poor quality silages and reduced bushel weight cereals will also influence feed rations this year so using a blend will give a more accurate picture of protein and energy levels.

Andrew Howie of Trident said; “Unless diets are reformulated to account for the lower energy contents of these key home-grown feeds, many won’t hit the 11.75-12.0MJ ME/kg DM needed to support yields over 30 litres/cow/day.”

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