Fertiliser sales volumes have picked up a pace recently with the silage season now in full swing, according to the IFA’s latest update on the Fertiliser market.
In terms of price the IFA says the North East remains the most competitive region with purchasing groups and individual volume buyers being quoted close to €290/t for big bag CAN delivered farm and around €400/t for cut and pasture swards.
It says Merchants with limited stocks on hand are taking advantage of the opportunity to source cheaper fertiliser as wholesale prices continue to fall.
The IFA is warning farmers to be vigilant as it says some merchants will attempt to wash out high priced stock on unsuspecting buyers.
Region
CAN
18-6-12
27-2.5-5
24-2.5-10
Big Bag, delivered
Bulk
Big Bag, delivered
Granulated Big bag delivered
Granulated Big bag delivered
Munster
310– 360
NA
415– 455
415 – 450
420 – 455
Connaught
315 – 360
NA
420 – 460
420 – 450
428 – 465
South Leinster
300– 350
NA
410– 445
400– 445
410- 455
North Leinster
294- 355
NA
400- 440
394 – 450
400 – 460
Ulster
310 – 360
NA
410- 445
415 – 455
415 – 460
Grassland specialist Cathal McAleer said that, in light of the problems associated with many first cuts this year, farmers must strive to maximise the value of their second cuts.
“Getting the correct amount of fertiliser sown out as quickly as possible is the first priority,” he said.
“Swards will require 80 units/ac of nitrogen, 80 units of potash and 25 units of phosphate. Slurry should be spread as soon as possible after the first cut has been taken.
“Applying 2,000 gallons of slurry per care will provide up to 70 units of potash, 20 units of phosphate and 20 units of nitrogen. The remainder of the crop nutrient requirement can be met by sowing bagged fertiliser.”
Teagasc have also advised that diluting slurry with dirty water will increase the efficiency of utilization of N in the slurry when it is applied to silage stubble after first cut silage.
Although dilution will lower the DM and N content of the slurry, it will increase the efficiency of N utilization (lower volatilization losses), Teagasc says.