Update Spring 2026

Seeds

Another big year for maize means there should be plenty of feedstock next winter. There is still parcels of seed avaialble, so do please enquire. As the SFI scheme can’t be applied for until June, and then only for small and non existing agreement holders, we are expecting a much quieter spring for those typrs of seed mixtures. Reduced grass seed production and increased demand throughout Europe due to last years drought has resulted in prices firming. Some UK Seed Houses have very restricted offers. With UK grass seed production dropping 25% over the last decade, we rely on more imported seed, meaning ordering well in advance is advised.

Fertiliser

The war with Iran has resulted in most Nitrogen based fertilisers jumping 25% in price. Luckily most spring tonnage was either on farm, in dock or on a boat before the war hit. The delays in delivery are mainly due to a very slow market last autumn meaning importers could not commit to large tonnages in time for spring application. Fertiliser is such a high value / low margin commodity, that just in time delivery is no longer affordable for the importers. They will only commit to boat loads of product, when they have a fair proportion sold. Now that most of our fertiliser is imported, ordering in Oct / Nov / Dec latest, is advised for spring applications.

Hay & Straw

For the first time in my memory, I believe straw could well run out. The combination of a terrible harvest and a very wet Jan and Feb means the cupboard is pretty bare. We do keep finding the odd parcel, and we will endeavour to supply if our customers are willing to pay the never seen before prices. There is talk of one of the Eastern Counties straw fired power stations closing down. If not replaced it will put 200,000 tonnes back on to the market. Hay remains at a price only the equine and pet markets can afford. There are still some bales of haylage for sale in West & South Wales.

We welcome your enquiries.