a potent stimulator of an innate immune response, known as Feed-Induced Immune Response (FIIR). They are commonly found in vegetable feed ingredients, such as legumes but also cereals. “Young chickens are very vulnerable to the ill-effects of FIIR and gut inflammation, and only low β-mannan concentrations are needed (0.20%) to trigger the immune system, making it a common problem in poultry production,” says Mr Kleyn. He says it’s therefore very important to consider the potential impact of dietary β-mannans, particularly in scenarios where rations are being reformulated with ingredients that may present a higher risk. “There are tools available to counteract specific issues and while on the face of it they might seem expensive, the return on investment should be weighedup before rejecting their use”.
Dairy and beef producers encouraged to consider crimping cereals
With rising feed costs set to heavily erode production margins this winter, dairy and beef producers with cereals in the ground are being urged to consider crimping crops to maximise nutritional value and dry matter yield. “Making the most of homegrown feed, whether that be grass, maize or cereals, will be crucial to maintain margin over feed costs this winter,” says Lientjie Colahan, technical sales support at Lallemand Animal Nutrition.
NFU Scotland
livestock
Uncertainty is not good for business By Gary Mitchell, Milk Committee Chair
Gary Mitchell
Inflation in agriculture has rocketed to over 30%, the highest level for decades, with dairy businesses hit hardest writes Stranraer dairy farmer Gary Mitchell, chair of NFU Scotland’s Milk Committee. In relation, UK inflation has hit a 40-year high of 9% as cost of food and energy soars. The difference in these two percentage figures is not only significant but should be a warning for all in the sector and beyond. I currently receiving the highest milk price this farm has ever seen, but I also have a long list of costs and invoices to match. Feed, fuel, energy and fertiliser have become the industry mantra and added to that list is the issues surrounding labour. Not only has inflation pushed wages up, but training and retention also requires investment. The recent increase in milk prices is vital to ensure continuation of supply, while also prioritising the highest standards are maintained on farm. And it should not be forgotten by anybody both within and out with the supply chain that, like any business, our key objective is to make a profit…a profit
which allows us to reinvest and meet head on the challenges our industry will meet in the short and long term. For too long, milk price had been in a period of stagnation, but 2022 has seen monthly increases across the board, increases that are urgently required. However, I do have concern about the disparity of pricing, not only the percentage levels between the “haves and the haves nots” but the timing of milk price announcements and the subsequent implementation when made. This is set against a backdrop of some reports suggesting that, at time of print, spot milk is hitting 60ppl and milk supply is around 2.5% below this time last year. Milk price at retail level is often used by the media as a barometer of consumer behaviour, but what is often forgotten is that we are starting from a very low base, where historically milk has been sold as a loss leader. This needs to change, although price elasticity, the wider economic factors and the changing habits of consumers cannot be ignored.
www.nfus.org.uk
While farmers are not directly responsible for setting the shelf price at retail level, our hands are not completely tied. The farming unions are working tirelessly on this, making it very clear to retailers and politicians both north and south of the border that fairness across the whole supply chain is a priority. We need to manage the pressure that inflation brings and an assurance that farmers are being supported during this challenging time. In an article written by myself as recent as November 2021, I stated that for too long, 30 pence per litre had been seen as the great target for dairy farmers. And at that time, I suggested that 40ppl was to be the new 30ppl. A statement that raised an eyebrow amongst many. Well, who would have thought how grossly outdate that figure now looks? The biggest challenge we face going forward is uncertainty. Uncertainty of not only milk price, but input costs at all stages of the supply chain. It is extremely difficult to make sound business decisions when costs across the board are changing daily.
