From what Members are ordering right now, to updates on key product availability and a new supplier we’re excited about, your AF Livestock Inputs team is focused on delivering the best value and getting products to your farm when you need them. Discover what we’re working on at the moment and get a heads-up on everything you need to know for your livestock inputs this season.
“The rape market is unsettled at the moment. The Erith plant closure has tightened supply, so while some spot loads are available, they’re relatively costly.
“If more soya oil goes into bioethanol, the potential increase in soya meal could help ease prices, but nothing’s been agreed yet.
“We’re also waiting on clarity around the EUDR’s impact on feed prices, although with implementation now delayed until December ’26/January ’27 there’s a brief reprieve.
“Noticeably there have been changes in some Members’ buying habits due to forage availability, with some using wheat feed meal to offset forage shortages.
“My advice is to plan ahead with your nutritionist - consider forward contracts to manage price and availability risk and get in touch with us to talk about price and availability.”
“At the moment, I’m mainly speaking with Members about lambing equipment and medicines. I’m also getting in touch with livestock-owning Members who’ve never ordered vet meds from us, asking if they’d like me to benchmark to see how much we could save them.
“In March and April, we usually start to see more bedding enquiries, as many Members prefer to buy over the summer when prices are traditionally lower.
“We’ll be running our Arden Agrisorb and Economy bedding special offer soon. This includes a deferred payment option, so you can order in June and pay in October, along with an extra discount for ordering during summer. I’m working through details with the supplier, so keep an eye out for more information in the spring.
“On the equipment side, Farming Equipment & Technology Fund grants are leading to longer lead times on some items. We’re working closely with suppliers Ritchie, Bateman and IAE to manage this where possible, but if your grant application has been successful, let us know as soon as you can so we can source your equipment within the grant timescales.”
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“My main focus is currently game bird feeds, equipment and bedding, along with starting preparation for the coming winter season for AB12 winter bird supplementary feeds, plus livestock equipment and bedding.
“With game bird breeding season almost upon us, I’m negotiating prices on feed, equipment, bedding, lighting, and more. I know margins can be especially tight for shoots, so it’s important we get best value on these key products. I’ll share pricing as soon as it’s confirmed, so keep an eye out.
“Demand for AB12 has been similar to last year, which is encouraging to see. Many Members prefer to order their AB12 feed in advance so it’s on farm and ready to use right through to spring. If you do need a top-up, just get in touch - our suppliers can deliver UK-wide.
“One of the most exciting things I’ve been working on recently is bringing Monil on board as a supplier of virtual livestock fencing. It’s something we’re seeing growing interest in, particularly since virtual fencing was widely featured on Clarkson’s Farm last year – and if Clarkson can keep goats in with it, it’s worth a look!”
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“At this time of year, my focus is very much on lambing products, while also starting to plan ahead for turning cattle out, including wormers and fly treatments.
“On the medicines side, we’re seeing shortages of some popular products, so I’ve shared a list below showing current availability. We’re also putting products on back order with some of our suppliers, to ensure availability. Shortages are for a variety of reasons, such as active ingredients not being available and some products being discontinued which has increased demand for those still on the market. My advice, particularly for vaccines, is let us know your requirements well in advance so we have time to source what you need.
“Iodine prices have risen significantly over the past year, and because of this we’re seeing strong interest in NoBACZ Navel as an alternative, which has been getting very good reviews.
“I’ve also been doing a lot of benchmarking on POM-V medicines. If you’d like me to do this for you, please get in touch. We’ve achieved savings of over 40% on some products. When ordering POM-Vs through AF, do allow a couple of extra days for your vet to sign the prescription. And don’t forget about generic alternatives to branded products - it's worth having a chat with your vet about them also.
“Finally, we have strong supplier terms in place for milk testing kits (antibiotic, mastitis and somatic cell count), feed silos, and weather protection and ventilation solutions for agricultural buildings - where we can often make substantial savings for Members.”
Heptavac P Plus: various sizes available / changing daily
Ovivac P Plus: available on allocation to our suppliers / trickling through
Lambivac: some availability, but being discontinued
Leptavoid H: discontinued (See Spirovac)
Spirovac: alternative to Leptavoid H, but only available via direct vet supply
Blackleg Vaccine: limited availability
Covexin 10: some supply issues but currently available
Bravoxin 10: some supply issues but currently available
Calciject No 2: limited supply
Calciject No 6: discontinued
Calciject No 5: limited supply
Some Levamisole wormers are in short supply
*Information correct as at 19.02.26.
For a quote, to place an order, or to talk about benchmarking, get in touch with your AF Livestock Inputs team.
