THE soaring cost of artificial fertiliser and a shortage of supplies are the latest problems to hit the farming industry.

Feb 5 2008 by Steve Dube, Western Mail

Problems have been blamed on many factors – the closure of phosphate mines in Russia; growing demand from biofuel farmers and use of former set-aside land; the rising price of oil; even cynical stockpiling by fertiliser companies. Advice from suppliers is to order now because it will be distributed on a first come-first served basis. This comes just as the price of lamb shows signs of recovery.

Industry experts say the shortage will last at least two years, which may make more farmers consider converting to organic production, with the added bonus of a premium – although on reduced quantity.

But a continued shortage will have serious implications for conventional farming, particularly in a world of climate change where governments, led by the United States, seem to think that biofuel from crops could provide an answer.

After huge increases in feed, livestock farmers will be well advised to look to less intensive systems and get maximum value from pasture.