On The Land
9 May, 2026
Graziers face stock feed difficulties
FAR Northern graziers will be facing further production difficulties as a result of the continuing armed conflict in the Middle East.
Already beleaguered with problems of rising fuel costs and sometimes unreliable fuel supplies, particularly diesel, the Far North’s cattle producers are facing difficulties in getting stock to sales yards, and other added imposts on returns for the sale of livestock.
There are also concerns regarding the price and provision of future stock lick and feed supplement products from some retailers.
Local feed supplement providers across North Queensland are expressing concern over rising costs and uncertain future supply of key ingredients, as pressure builds ahead of the dry season.
Part of the North Queensland Co-operative, Mareeba-based Topstock Agencies manager Marnie Bee said the availability of urea would be critical in the coming months, particularly between September and October.
“Urea is included in feeds as a non-protein nitrogen source, used alongside true proteins to stimulate rumen microbial activity. This process helps cattle better digest dry grass during the dry season and maintain condition,” Ms Bee said.
She explained that urea, often used in combination with sulphate of ammonia, has traditionally helped strike a balance between cost and performance in supplement formulations.
“We believe our dry season breeder lick is a balance between cost and performance, helping our clients maintain productivity without excessive expense,” she said.
However, Ms Bee noted that recent price increases have forced adjustments.
“We’ve adapted our formulations to assist clients with cost pressures. In doing so, we can often create an even more effective diet for the cattle,” she said.
She also warned that supply challenges are compounded by storage issues on farms, where large stockpiles of urea-based products are vulnerable to humidity.
“The effects of moisture can deteriorate the quality of feed products, not only spoiling them but also reducing their efficiency,” she said.
Ms Bee added that feeds reliant on sulphate of ammonia could also face disruption if shortages persist, while increased transport demands for grains and protein inputs into Mareeba are adding further pressure.
Despite these challenges, she said Topstock Agencies remains adaptable, continuing to refine its mixes to deliver practical and cost-effective solutions for graziers.
Meanwhile Far Northern and North West manager for Nutrien Ag Solutions Tom Mugford told The Express: “In some cases, stock licks have increased in price by between 20% to 30% since the US-Iran war began.
“Urea is a petrochemical derivative, and an effective agent for graziers to maintain stock condition during the drier months of the year.
“However, in many cases, our customers have pre-ordered licks and feed supplements ahead on a regular basis so that our stocks and pricing can provide the best affordable supply available.
“Add this to the massive increases in the price of diesel and it’s a fairly volatile situation regarding pricing that is affecting all primary production overall for those reliant upon the Middle East conflict and the world supply and economy overall.
“We will get through it, but many primary producers, transporters and end users are facing escalating prices as a result of the current situation, as the crisis also is reshaping agriculture, and are increasing expenses across the whole livestock industry in Australia,” Mr Mugford said.
