Stephen Kenyon, chairman of AIC’s feed sector in Scotland, reported a mixed season for animal feed sales. He pointed out that in a competitive environment, no tonnages were available.
There had been less feed needed this spring.
The mild winter and adequate supplies of home-grown barley cooled demand from beef and sheep farmers, but this was to an extent counteracted by dairy- and pig-sector buoyancy.
There was still a massive reliance on imports, with the EU having to buy in 72% of its feed protein requirements.
GM feeds could now be used but there were still access difficulties, with the EU very slow to approve crop varieties.
Paul Huntley, AIC seeds chairman, suggested that the results of autumn 2014 sowings would be pivotal in deciding how big an effect the banning of neonicitinoid insecticides would have.
This would be the first year the products could not be used as a seed dressing for oilseed rape.
He reckoned pest incidence in Scotland was lower than elsewhere in the EU.
Growers would need to be vigilant as regards spraying, and make sure crops established well.
Nutrient-based seed treatments could become important in that respect.untley said.
