Animal feed prices in the UK - Data and Analysis (2001-2033)

IBISWorld estimates that the average price of animal feed will rise at a compound annual rate of 0.9% over the five years through 2026-27, to reach £314.00 per tonne. The prices reflect the cost of compound feed, a commercially produced mixture of raw materials and animal feed additives blended into custom feeds for different animals. Animal feed prices are primarily influenced by fluctuations in the cost of raw materials such as wheat, barley, oats and maize. Changeable crop yields resulting from volatile weather can induce supply shifts which, if not mirrored by changes in demand, can cause significant input price fluctuation. This typically affects animal feed asking prices.Prices surged early in the period as inflationary pressure and the war between Russia and Ukraine limited global grain supply, leading to a sharp expansion of 33.2% in 2022-23. Prices then fell back as global grain and fertiliser markets normalised from the post-Ukraine shock, wiping out most of the earlier gains. By early 2026, UK feed wheat futures for May-26 had reached just £168.45 per tonne. The US–Iran conflict has since reversed some of that relief. The Strait of Hormuz closed to nearly all shipping traffic on 28 February. By late March, UK-produced ammonium nitrate prices were up 25% and granular urea prices up 36%, and higher oil prices also raised freight, shipping and transport costs. Grain prices followed. In July, November 2026 UK feed wheat futures hit a contract high of £207.00 per tonne, breaking the £200.00 threshold. As a result, animal feed prices are expected to climb by 2.0% in 2026-27. Growth has been tempered because most arable farmers had already bought fertiliser for this year's crops, while rapid harvest progress brought new supplies to market.