Dry summer could increase animal feed demand this winter, says Amcor

Agricultural supply chain experts urge feed manufacturers to plan ahead as forage stocks come under pressure

 After one of the driest summers on record in parts of the UK, concerns are growing that reduced forage availability may place additional pressure on livestock producers heading into the winter feeding season.

 Provisional Met Office figures suggest England and Wales may have experienced their driest July in almost 190 years, while drought conditions and heat stress have affected agricultural production across many parts of Europe.

 According to the Environment Agency, ongoing dry conditions have already led to concerns around forage availability, with some livestock farmers reportedly drawing on winter reserves earlier than normal.

 While the full impact on feed demand remains uncertain, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has forecast UK cereal use for animal feed at approximately 13.3 million tonnes during the 2025/26 marketing year, with increased cereal feeding expected in some livestock systems to compensate for forage shortages.

 "Dairy, beef and sheep producers are particularly sensitive to grazing conditions and forage availability," said Lorcan Mekitarian, sales director at Amcor.

 "While every farm's situation is different, periods of prolonged drought can increase reliance on purchased feed, particularly where forage stocks have been depleted or quality has been affected."

 For feed manufacturers, this uncertainty can create planning challenges as customer requirements become less predictable.

 "If forage availability remains tight during autumn, manufacturers may need to respond quickly to shifts in demand across multiple products and markets," Lorcan Mekitarian added. "Forward planning across the supply chain becomes increasingly important under these conditions."

 Amcor says feed packaging procurement should also form part of contingency planning discussions.

 Alongside ingredients, production capacity and logistics, feed manufacturers need confidence that packaging supply can respond if market demand changes rapidly during the winter season.

 Amcor supports animal feed manufacturers through its European industrial packaging manufacturing network, including facilities in Scotland, the Netherlands and Germany. You can find more information on Amcor’s Animal Feed packaging solutions here Animal Feed and Bedding Bags and Film | Amcor.