Feed Prices on the Rise

[U_Stormcrow]

I suspect mine in that range, but I've actually changed the mix of feeds I buy in response to price increases, so I can't honestly tell you what it is by the bag. I currently mix 3 bags of 16% layer with 1 bag of 24% Game Bird to increase the protein a bit (I was mixing 1:1 last year), and I keep a separate bag of game bird around for my hatchlings until they've integrated with the adult flock, usually 7-8 weeks.

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

That's a smart approach!

I've changed my mix of birds (more geese, fewer ducks) recently for a number of reasons, but being able to transition my adult geese to soaked wheat and corn - as a supplement to pasture - right now instead of formulated feed has been helping the bottom line. Goslings are still on chick starter + nutritional yeast.

It was getting pretty painful at the register...

 

[Vickischics]

Yep, the price of everything is going up around here. The feed I use has gone up $3.00 a bag. Gee thanks, Joe

Someone has to pay for the voted $15.00 min wage increase.
I didn't vote for the increase.

 

[TheAlrightyGina]

I'll never understand why people are allowed to bet on commodity futures just like stocks to make money (honestly, the stock market is the same way, the intent was to garner support for businesses, not to build a casino). Especially considering all of the subsidies the government pays out to support these same industries. Laissez-faire my tuchus!

 

[TheAlrightyGina]

Someone has to pay for the voted $15.00 min wage increase.
I didn't vote for the increase.

I prefer a maximum wage myself.

 

[Cindy in PA]

50 lbs. of Kalmbach 17% layer feed $17.20 at a local feed store yesterday.

 

[Egg Snatcher]

FYI - I went to TS this morning and Purina Layer Pellets in 50# bags were nearly $20/bag (almost a 30% increase).
I'm switching to Producers Pride for at least the summer (less than $12/40#bag). During the warm weather months, my free range flock gets the majority of their diet from the environment and the feed is only supplemental anyway.
What are prices in your areas?

At orscheln were I am from Country Lane layer crumbles 40lb was $9.45 now $11.45.

 

[NorthwoodsChick]

I have a large chest freezer so I buy an extra bag or 2 & keep it in there.

Why it thaws do you have any issues with moisture?
I wonder if it can be stored in one of those air tight space bags? No O2, no decomp. Just thinking out loud.

 

[Mtnboomer]

Why it thaws do you have any issues with moisture?
I wonder if it can be stored in one of those air tight space bags? No O2, no decomp. Just thinking out loud.

Could be vacuum sealed, but cutting into money savings with extra expense of the bags.

 

[Sierra G]

Why it thaws do you have any issues with moisture?
I wonder if it can be stored in one of those air tight space bags? No O2, no decomp. Just thinking out loud.

She didn't say she plugged the freezer in, just that she used it to store feed.

My thoughts on feed costs. Right now the price is being set by the people that bought last year's harvest. Most farmers sell their grain rather than store it. And the ones who do store it are usually keeping it for their own use. Whether they're charging more because of increased costs or just because people will pay extra right now isn't important. Either way it costs you more.

You really need to look at a full year of prices to see any useful pattern. If there's an exceptionally good harvest or China buys less grain prices could go back down in the fall. However, given how hot and dry half the country is I don't really see demand going down. And planting was late in many areas due to wet fields, fields which haven't had much rain since they were planted. I'm not expecting much good news. I'm going to budget for higher prices all year and plan on reducing flock size in September too.