A MAJOR new feed mill in Ayrshire promises to bring some much-needed competition to the "cosy supply infrastructure" across northern England and south west Scotland.

Some 400 farmers turned out for the much-anticipated opening of the Shieldmains Mill, at Coylton, Ayrshire, last Saturday. The new £7 million animal feed production facility is an initiative between farmer-owned business Mole Valley Farmers, and John C Fergusson. It is the first newly equipped, intake-to-product animal feed mill to be built in Scotland in many years, and can process in excess of 140,000 tonnes of blends and compounds a year, servicing not only central and south-west Scotland, but the north-west of England and northern Ireland.

Up until now, much of the feed utilised in south west Scotland has been produced south of the border and transported from as far as Cheshire. During the open day, John Fergusson's speech on how his family-run business has developed over the year's was warmly appreciated by the farmer audience, who were also given a tour of the feed mill.

"As a farmer owned business, we have a strong sense of purpose - as was laid out over 55 years ago," explained head of feed, Alan Callaghan. "Our presence creates a competitive environment for farm inputs, preventing other supply companies from profiteering.

"Mole Valley Farmers do not maximise profits from the farming sector, especially when producers are facing economic challenges with falling milk, red meat and cereal prices," he said. "We believe the supply industry needs a strong farmer owned business, operating to true co-operative principles.

"The construction of the Coylton feed mill by John Fergusson, coupled with the presence of Mole Valley Farmers has already caused a reaction, ruffling the cosy supply infrastructure across northern England and south west Scotland.

"Some feed producers are offering prices, reported to be unsustainable in the long term, aiming to protect market share," he claimed. "But with milk also at an unsustainable level, farmers are appreciating the current pricing environment."

As part of the new mill's development, a full range of compounds and blends have also been specifically formulated to meet the needs of the various farming systems throughout the region. The Mole Valley Farmers' team of specialist nutritionists can formulate feed rations that meet the nutritional requirements of the cow whilst maintaining health and performance.

The mill is 40 minutes from Glasgow port, meaning large stocks of raw materials can be transported. Grain can also be sourced locally and from the central belt of Scotland, while quality byproducts can be obtained from Scottish distilleries. Ayr port can also be utilised.

The mill's intake system can also transport raw materials at a rate up to 80 tonnes per hour to 16 bins, with a total storage capacity of over 500 tonnes. The line has been designed to process finished molassed blends and meals. Other agricultural inputs such as calf milk, supplements and minerals can be sourced from Mole Valley Farmers. The aim is to develop supply infrastructure across a wide range of farm inputs such as animal health, fencing, silage plastics, and more.