Watch: ‘Real danger’ of fertiliser being substituted for concentrates

Since the Middle East conflict escalated in February, fertiliser prices have soared, posing a significant risk for farmers who may be tempted to substitute fertiliser with concentrates. This situation is not new, as similar spikes in fertiliser prices occurred in 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The resulting high costs led many farms to reduce fertiliser usage, but many were unprepared for this shift and suffered losses in herbage production. As a result, these farms ended up spending more money on fertiliser through concentrate supplementation than they would have otherwise.

Four years after the initial crisis, Dr. Joe Patton, the head of dairy knowledge transfer at Teagasc, warns that farms are once again facing a "real danger" of repeating this cycle. Patton emphasises that the temptation to reduce nitrogen fertiliser application and compensate with concentrates could be strong due to the high costs of fertiliser. However, he cautions that this approach is not sustainable or economically viable in the long run.

The response to fertiliser application can be substantial, with up to 20kg of dry matter (DM) growth per kg of nitrogen (N) spread, particularly as days lengthen and weather improves. This means that 1kg of N can support a cow's daily needs. While fertiliser prices may seem expensive in the short term, Patton argues that the economic benefits of applying fertiliser and growing grass outweigh the costs of relying on concentrates. "It makes far more sense to spread the fertiliser and grow the grass than to spend that additional money on concentrates," he says.

Patton also highlights the potential issue of fertilising silage swards this year. He warns against what he calls a "false economy" of saving on fertiliser in the short term, only to have to buy silage the following year. Last year, 2025, was particularly good for silage harvesting, allowing many farms to build up reserves that helped them through challenging spring conditions this year. However, these reserves are now dwindling, and the need for fertiliser to support silage growth becomes even more critical.

In conclusion, the high costs of fertiliser pose a real risk for farmers to substitute it with concentrates, but this approach is not a viable long-term solution. By investing in fertiliser and promoting grass growth, farmers can ensure a more sustainable and economical approach to their operations. The lessons learned from previous crises serve as a reminder of the importance of careful planning and management in the face of volatile market conditions.