With the terrible events in Ukraine unfolding before our eyes, the consequences are being felt immediately at home.
The Boss of Yara, Svein Tore Holsether has warned in a BBC interview that the situation could get even tougher and has spoken of the Ukraine war as ‘catastrophic for global food’.
What was already a difficult situation with gas prices at 400 – 500% up on last year and the consequent issues with supplies, caused by increased manufacturing costs, production facilities closing, plus shipping and road transport shortages being known for the last 6 – 12 months, things have now become considerably worse. Gas and oil have both doubled in the last fortnight!
Russia is a significant player in energy and commodity markets, including nitrogen’s, phosphates and potash. As the sanctions take effect, the worldwide supply becomes ever tighter pushing prices even higher, regardless of where domestic markets traditionally source products. The combination of the increased manufacturing costings and a restricted supply is a double hit.
The efficient use of fertiliser has never been so important. Without fertiliser applications crops will not reach yield potential. In a grassland scenario, home grown forage is still the most efficient way to feed livestock. With the forecast of these high prices being the norm for the foreseeable future, a good quality silage for the winter months will be essential to keep what we will be higher feed costs, down. At Wynnstay we can offer a soil sampling service to ensure that the best suited products are used in the most cost-effective way through a nutrient management plan. The plan can include your organic manures and can be followed up with plant tissue, manure and silage analysis to give a true picture of the silage feed values to maximise on farm savings.
Please note: This information was correct at the time of drafting on 09/03/2022 and is subject to change at any time.
