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Update from Stuart Goodinson, Orion GM.
Feedback from the Oxford Farming Conference and the latest on core commodities and telecommunications.
At the beginning of January, I spent an interesting two days at the Oxford Farming Conference. As well as meeting members, potential members, suppliers and potential suppliers, there were many inspiring presentations around innovation and development in our industry. One of the most fascinating was from JCB, talking about the alternative solution they have to Horsepower on the farm without using diesel (and it is not electric either) ….more to follow.
Speaking of diesel, Phil has informed me that due to recent cold spells and the post-Christmas business ramp-up, some delivery times have extended to two weeks from the date of order. Please plan your orders accordingly.
Nitrogen and urea prices continue to rise, I saw increases of £5-£10 over the Christmas period and additional hikes since then. This trend is influenced by European & Middle Eastern gas prices, shortages, and producers operating plants at reduced capacity to minimise stock levels. Potash and phosphates remain relatively stable. If you’re considering liquid fertilizer, please reach out to discuss the various options available.
The spring seed season is now underway. We offer competitive options for maize varieties and SFI mixes. I understand that roughly 75% of Malting Barley is now sold with Laureate being the most favoured variety in terms of both yield and malting quality.
If demand grows because of failed wheat areas then I believe that this may cause demand to outstrip supply of the first choice varieties but due to strong areas of C2 planted last spring there should continue to be supply of Spring barley varieties other that the favourites.
Oats are now coming under pressure as well as spring wheat but beans and peas so far are in balance.
Be aware that spring wheat and barley may run short early in the season, so if you need a specific variety, it's best to place your order soon.
Phones and telecommunications - we are collaborating with a great local partner, Lister Communications. I just renewed our office mobile and handset contract with them, as they provided an excellent deal and service. They specialise in much more than just mobile services and have experience working with hundreds of farmers. Contact me if you'd like me to connect you with them.
As always, we are here to help. Let us know how we can assist you!




Compound feed &
Game feed
Tender invitations have been sent to all suppliers of compound and game feed asking them to submit a tender for the next compound feed tender year, starting on the 1st September and also for the upcoming game feed season. A decision as to which supplier of both commodities will supply the Group will be made in March and members will informed in April’s newsletter.
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Minerals deliveries - Update
As mentioned in last month’s newsletter the lead times for minerals would be reverting to some sort of normality, post- Christmas, however the Group supplier of minerals for Q1 has emailed to say that due to unforeseen issues at the manufacturing plant, lead time could still be anything up to 14 working days, so please ensure you order your requirements in plenty of time in order to avoid running out, before your order arrives.
Feed Supplements
From time to time, invoices arrive at the office for pallets of feed supplements that have been ordered by members directly with a supplier or merchant, where in some cases the price paid is on occasion significantly more than the price the Group holds for that product. In order to purchase products at the most competitive price, it’s worth placing your order through the office to ensure you realise the maximum saving on the product you require.
Cubicle Lime
Members who use conventional hydrated lime in their cubicles may wish to consider changing over to another, almost identical product, called Hydramix. It works in exactly the same way, however the real benefit is that it is over £20/T cheaper than hydrated lime.
And Finally…
Totally irrelevant but quite interesting facts of the month… Man has probed 20 billion kilometres outwards from Earth, but only 12 into it and there are 400,000 species of plants on Earth. 300,000 are safe to eat, but actually we only eat fewer than 200.
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For more details on any matter raised in the Feed & Livestock section, please contact Joe in the office: Joe Cobb, Feed & Livestock Manager, Â 01865 393 139

Orion Suppliers Latest Promotions posted in January
TVE Hire & Sales constantly add to their New & Used machine sales and hire including Bobcat Agricultural Telehandlers with 3 years 0% finance.
If you haven't yet got the Orion App and want to find the latest supplier promotions together with a lot of other features, please click on the button and fill out the contact details at the bottom of this page or contact Adam Donaldson on 07907 581094 or adam@ofg.org.uk
Suppliers, if you would like to ensure all your details are up to date, and add in any promotional material for Orion Members, then please get in touch with Adam or fill in the contact details at the bottom of this page.
Members, you can see the details of all supplier promotions, and search the Orion online supplier catalogue via the Orion App. Here is a short video on how to find supplier promotions:
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