Farmer Focus: At the mercy of fertiliser manufacturers
© Tim Scrivener Fertiliser prices have fallen significantly from when many of us placed orders last year.
The panic over availability and further price rises made us fall into the hands of the manufacturers, who seem to have a monopoly on the market and do as they like.
Manufacturers give no viable information on future availability, and name their price where they like, when they like; and get away with it.
See also: Why cutting N fertiliser is a bigger challenge this season
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I’m no expert, but I would expect demand in the UK to be at a relatively consistent level to allow planning, and thus we shouldn’t be held ransom with, “If you don’t buy it now you may not get any”.
I know it was made difficult by the situation in Ukraine, but you can’t help but feel there’s been some profiteering going on.
Winter wheat looks great at the moment and full of potential, but the further fall in wheat price to below £200/t means we will have to look closely at all input costs and be extra-savvy with spending.
The challenging question of how much to apply to be the most cost-effective has reared its head again.
If someone has a crystal ball for the weather until the end of harvest, please get in touch to make it an easier one. Let’s hope we don’t need to use the dryer again this year.
Unfortunately, not everything looks as good as the wheat. Winter linseed suffered from the -10C before Christmas, while the long, dry and mild autumn did wonders for blackgrass.
The crop is now written off and a combination of spring beans and spring barley replaced it.
Frustratingly, our unwanted visitors have started returning now that fields are wet, pushing holes in hedges and smashing gates to gain access.
It seems the only way to keep them out is big concrete blocks anywhere there is vaguely a chance of access – another large expense that shouldn’t be needed.
It’s not all doom and gloom, though. As farmers we are forever the optimists and what goes up must come down and what goes down must come up.
By constantly reviewing fixed and variable costs, agronomics and markets, we will ensure we have stronger businesses in the long run.
