This months linked article's:
IF YOU WANT MORE BUTTERFAT: WE RECOMMEND - CS PLUS...
MAGNESIUM - AN EARLY REMINDER
While it may seem premature, it is worth reminding those who are considering early turnout, either through the management system they are operating, or through necessity (lack of silage!), that magnesium will be an important and necessary supplement.
The dairy cow does not store magnesium, so it is prudent to start feeding higher levels approximately 10 days before turnout. It may be included by having higher levels incorporated into your compound feed or blend, a change to high magnesium mineral or by adding magnesium chloride to the water system, or by the addition of calcined magnesite to the buffer ration.
Remember the cow will require the equivalent of at least 25 grams of pure magnesium (or 50 grams of Cal Mag). GP Feeds compounds will all have increased levels of magnesium ready for the spring.
So, do speak to you the office or your local agent to determine the best way to meet your cow's needs, and remember that we can customise your mineral products to any specific need.
THOUGHT FROM AN INDEPENDANT BROKER ON THE RAW MATERALS MARKET
All eyes are on the South American crop in Brazil and Argentina. Generally crops are expected to be good. Argentina has just had two weeks of above normal temperature, which was beginning to stress crops, but now is receiving very beneficial rains (hence the recent fall in prices for May to October). Further rains are expected during the next few days and if these are sufficient the crop will be ready to harvest. In Brazil rain is needed in the north but generally the crop is expected to be 58+ million tonnes (last year 51.5 million tonnes). Argentina's crop is the same as last year at 40 million tonnes.
We are currently growing more seed then we can crush and this should present us with particularly keen prices at harvest time if storage is short. When this occurs (usually pre harvest) keen forward prices should be available. Even this year with an abundance of seed, prices of rape extractions has had a price range of over £25 per tonne increase against the early season prices. In general it may pay dividends to book a contract earlier rather than buying on the spot.
MAIZE GLUTEN AND US MAIZE DISTILLERS
Over the past few years these product have been the basis of many rations on farm and for compounders. With the onset of massive increases in energy costs they are no longer as competitive to produce in the US and with increased barge and shipping costs more of these raw materials are being used in the place of origin, unless higher prices are attained for export. Therefore expected prices are around £5 - £10 per tonne increase for Maize Gluten with US Maize Distillers £12 - £14 per tonne over last years pricing.