Maximising This Year’s Gains to Face Next Year’s Challenges

For many farmers across Northern Ireland, 2025 has been one of the strongest years in recent memory. The weather has been kind, stock has performed well and profitability has been healthier than usual. In truth, it has felt like the kind of year farmers deserve after several harder ones. But as everyone in the industry knows, farming runs in cycles. What looks positive today can change quickly and there are signs that 2026 may bring tighter conditions.

That is why now, as we move into autumn, is the right time to step back and assess. Whether your focus is laying hens, pigs, sheep, beef or dairy herds, every farm can benefit from asking the same questions: how are we really performing? Are there areas where time or money is being lost? Could a small change now lead to better efficiency or stronger margins down the line?

At Fane Valley Feeds, we have guided farmers through these cycles before. We understand the highs and the lows and our job is to help farmers prepare well for both. One of our strengths lies in our people. Our team is a strong mix of younger, highly educated advisors who bring fresh thinking and new research, alongside more experienced staff who have spent decades working directly with farmers and know the realities of the yard. That combination gives us the ability to offer advice that is both practical and forward-looking. 

We are also committed to continuous improvement. Our staff are constantly training, keeping pace with the latest science and developments in animal nutrition. Nutrition itself never stands still and we are determined to stay ahead of the curve. Our aim is simple: to deliver the best performance possible on farm. That means helping farmers get more from every litre of milk, every kilo of beef, every lamb and every dozen eggs produced. 

Loyalty is a strong part of farming. Many farmers continue with suppliers they have known for years and those relationships matter. But it is worth asking whether those long-standing arrangements are still providing the best value for money. Too often, value in feed is judged only by the price per tonne. The real value may be seen on the other side, in extra litres of milk, more eggs in the basket or fewer days on farm before pigs or beef cattle are finished. Looking only at the upfront cost does not always show whether you’re being properly looked after by your current supplier. 

The year ahead is likely to demand sharper choices. Every pound spent needs to work harder. That means weighing decisions carefully, focusing on labour-saving investments, and looking for longer-term gains while always protecting cash flow. 

Nature offers a good reminder of this. As autumn deepens, wild animals prepare for winter, storing food and building shelter to survive the months ahead. Farmers must do the same in their businesses. Prices in spring 2026 may not reach the levels that many need and it will be the careful planning done now that makes the difference later. 

At Fane Valley Feeds, we want our customers to be in the strongest position possible when challenges arise. With advancing nutrition, continuous training and a committed team of both fresh thinkers and seasoned advisors, we are ready to help you plan for the future with confidence. This year has been a good one, make sure it also becomes the year you prepared properly for the season ahead. 

For more information on how Fane Valley Feeds can advance your animal nutrition, speak to your local Fane Valley Feeds Advisor or call 028 8224 3221