FERTILISER UPDATE Gas prices have eased from the peaks we have seen in the last few months. At the time of writing, it is at similar levels to the price which triggered the initial production plant closures in the UK and across Europe.
The cost of all purchased nutrient inputs have risen in the last 9 months, and understanding the crop requirement, yield potential and the return on your investment is crucial to making the right nutrient application decisions. Much needed farmgate price increases have started to materialise, although more is needed it, is a step in the right direction. Understanding the value of nitrogen per litre of milk, kilogramme of meat or tonne of grain is vital. What is the true cost of a poor-quality silage, or a shortage in the silage pit for the winter, against a drop in milk volume or quality? Increased feed bill to make up a short fall?
At the end of March, the UK produced nitrogen came back in price by over £100/t, but remains at higher levels than we have seen before. Future gas price forecasts are for the current levels to continue through the summer months and rise again in the winter. Whilst this is the case, seeing N prices coming back to last year’s prices is not possible. Does that mean using Nitrogen is the wrong thing to do? Not if used efficiently and in a calculated way. The Liebig “Law of minimum” states that if one of the essential plants nutrients is deficient, plant growth will be poor even when all other essential nutrients are abundant.
Speak to your Wynnstay Specialists to get the best advice to balance your forage requirements, or for fertiliser specific advice, please contact a member of the Wynnstay Fertiliser Team.
Please note: This information was correct at the time of drafting on 25/04/2022 and is subject to change at any time.
Dave Mitchell
Fertiliser Manager m: 07990 578543
e: dave.mitchell@wynnstay.co.uk
For more information on any of the topics discussed, please contact the Wynnstay Fertiliser Team on 01939 211266, or contact your Wynnstay Representative. wynnstay.co.uk
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