Update Winter 2024

Despite the current political turmoil, the SFI scheme remains the main way for farmers to claw back some or all of what was the Basic Payment Scheme. The two most popular options have been ALH 2 (winter bird food) and SAM3 (herbal Leys) due to their relatively high payment rates per hectare. The sweet spot for dairy, beef & sheep enterprises will be to get the herbal leys performing so that production can be maintained or even increased, whilst artificial nitrogen costs can be dramatically reduced. The benefits of wild bird seed are less clear, although a three-year break on some arable ground will do it no harm. We anticipate a similarly high level of demand for all the main SFI options next year, so as ever order early to avoid disappointment. Our new seed catalogue will be with you in time for spring business. The most popular options are listed below:

Fertilisers

The fertiliser market remains steady, with much arable ground only planted during November, and then not helped by the deluge delivered by storm Bert. Gas prices are at their highest since Nov 23, and a weaker £ means Nitrogen values are likely to firm in the short term. Longer term, Trumps election win will keep a lid on oil and gas prices and may even bring an end to the fighting in Ukraine, both of which will help to keep fertiliser prices at more affordable levels.
Hay & Straw

Harvest provided some good crops of winter wheat straw, which made up for the generally light crops of winter and spring barley straw. Empty barns created strong demand off the field which we have only just caught up with. Auctions have started strong for straw but weaker for hay and haylage, meaning straw could get tight again if we have another long, wet winter. Surely some kinder weather to start 2025 is not too much to wish for!?

We welcome your enquiries.