A high level of uncertainty in global grain markets means price rises could be applied to livestock rations over the coming months, local feed mills have warned.

Some suppliers have said price lists could be revised upwards by £10 to £12 as soon as next month, with others suggesting even more may be added by the end of the year.

A key issue is the rising cost of feed ingredients. Grain markets have been moving upwards throughout the summer, mainly due to concerns around weather and geopolitical uncertainty.

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In particular, drought conditions across Europe over recent months have led to poor cereal and maize harvests.

Going forward, there are concerns about the potential impact of the El Niño climate pattern on the likes of soya and maize production in South America.

Geopolitical uncertainty is also making it difficult for local feed mills to get forward buying cover for key ingredients at present. For example, the long-running conflict between Russia and Ukraine still remains a major issue in international grain markets. Notably, grain terminals and shipping routes in the Black Sea region have been the target of airstrikes throughout 2026.

The ongoing tensions in the Middle East are another issue for feed compounders, especially with its impact on energy markets.

The other geopolitical problem is combative trade policies from the USA, where tariffs on various commodities continue to change the normal flow of grain around the world.

“Volatility is not the word to describe it. It is extremely difficult to get forward-buying cover for the months ahead right now,” said one source in the feed trade.

Current prices

In terms of current prices, local mills have kept price lists reasonably steady throughout the summer months.

While exact prices depend on ingredients and supplements, a typical 18% crude protein dairy nut is around £325/t to £330/t at present, with common 20% dairy blends priced around £300/t to £310/t.

Similarly, beef finisher blends are around £275/t and general-purpose beef nuts run up to £300/t. High maize lamb nuts are priced around the £320/t mark.