Business Updates
With diplomatic efforts for a peace deal with Iran stalled, disruption to commercial shipping in the Straight of Hormuz is continuing with no end in sight.
President Donald Trump recently said the “clock is ticking” on talks to bring the war to an end - although a ceasefire is still in place.
Shipping through the Strait - the route for around 20% of global oil flows – is heavily constrained influencing energy prices and input costs worldwide.
For our farmers and rural businesses, these global pressures translate into higher prices, mainly across fuel, fertiliser and haulage.
But our focus remains on supporting farmers as we work towards a return to greater pricing stability.
CEO Jack Cordery said: “Our priority is to stand alongside our members and do everything we can to limit the impacts being felt across the sector in what remains a fast‑changing, volatile and uncertain situation.
“Although these challenges are beyond our control, we are committed to protecting our farmers wherever we can.”
We will continue to closely monitor the impact of the war on costs and supply chains and remain confident the business is well placed to support our farming customers with the essentials of feed, fuel, fertiliser and key agricultural inputs.
No one knows how long the current situation will last but we are focused on keeping supplies moving by working proactively with suppliers, logistics partners and industry experts to anticipate issues early and respond quickly.
And we have strengthened our logistics and storage position. Our recent deal with Cattedown Wharves in Plymouth, alongside our existing arrangement with Appledore dockyard, allows us to store feed ingredients at ports and nearby warehouses.
This improves resilience for key commodities, helps protect continuity of supply and reduces exposure to sudden price spikes.
Thanks to our cooperative ethos, buying power and your valued and continued support, we are well placed to keep prices as low as possible and provide clear, reliable information, which we will continue to share in updates through our website.
As the situation continues to change, our nutritionists, agronomists, specialist teams and store staff are ready to support you with clear guidance and practical support, while offering some protection from continuing price fluctuations.
We currently have no live business updates, please check back at another time.
Fuel...
WHAT we are experiencing...
Volatility in crude oil prices and supply disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
WHAT does this mean...
We are currently unable to offer a fixed price at the time of order. Pricing is now confirmed on the day of delivery
WHAT we are doing...
Forecasting demand, advising customers on usage and buying strategies, and working closely with all suppliers to secure the best possible deals.
Advice...
Manage risk by covering immediate requirements and reviewing usage regularly.
Feed & Supplements...
WHAT we are experiencing...
We are seeing price volatility in raw materials due to oil markets being at record levels and surcharges being put on freight, as well as our sterling currency struggling in this climate.
WHAT does this mean...
The disruption is adding costs to the supply chain and the situation is changing repeatedly. When the war does end, we can expect markets to start correcting back down in value.
WHAT we are doing...
We are trying to purchase what we see as good value materials or items that have not been as adversely affected, while offering customers the choice of contracting their feed to take any further risk off the table for their summer prices.
Advice...
Decisions don’t need to be 100% of your requirement. They can be calculated amounts to ensure some protection.
Fertiliser...
WHAT we are experiencing...
Overall supply risk remains high (Strait of Hormuz disruption, export controls from China/Russia), keeping prices elevated overall.
Natural gas and ammonia remain elevated.
WHAT does this mean...
Volatility remains high; any change in Middle East logistics
LNG prices are still 25–30% higher than a year ago, keeping nitrogen production costs elevated
WHAT we are doing...
Monitoring prices and availability closely, and securing volumes with suppliers wherever possible.
Advice...
Maximise on farm forages with fertiliser use. Forward prices now available on UREA/AN products. Get ahead of the Q4 rush to avoid UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which starts Jan 1st 2027
Agri Supplies...
WHAT we are experiencing...
Supplies closely linked to the petrochemical industry are seeing significant increases in raw material costs, and availability is now coming under notable pressure. Several raw material suppliers have already declared force majeure.
WHAT does this mean...
These challenges are driving price increases and may impact product availability in the near future.
WHAT we are doing...
We are working closely with our supply chain to secure product availability and are doing everything possible to keep any price increases to an absolute minimum.
Advice...
Plan ahead and place orders as early as possible.