Be on the lookout for substandard feed

The Milk Producers’ Organisation cautions milk producers to ascertain the quality of grain and other feed products before buying them. The current cost squeeze resulting from low producer and high feed prices forces farmers to look for cheaper alternatives and may encourage unscrupulous people to sell substandard products to them. Any products that are available at much lower than current market prices should be viewed with suspicion. According to SAGIS, the current import parity price for Argentinian maize delivered free on rail is R2 990 (Durban) and R2 953 (Cape Town). Railage cost from Durban to Randfontein will add another R432 to the price. Therefore, maize being offered for delivery to Free State farmers at R2 700 per tonne seems too good to be true.

According to Philip Swart, the MPO’s manager of member services, farmers feeding grain that contains toxins will experience a decrease in production and the deterioration of the cows’ condition as well as abortions, and deaths are also possible. Farmers should not risk the health of their herds by using substandard feed or feed from questionable sources.