Global events continue to influence UK agriculture, and while conditions on farm may feel relatively steady, wider pressures are quietly shaping the months ahead.

From input costs to policy developments and animal health updates, understanding the bigger picture is becoming increasingly important for farmers and producers looking to stay ahead.

Here’s a look at the key trends to watch this spring.

Input Markets: Stable for Now, but Pressure Building

Input markets remain relatively stable in the short term, but there are clear signs of pressure building beneath the surface.

Global tensions — particularly in the Gulf region — are creating uncertainty around fertiliser supply chains. While this is not currently causing disruption in the UK, shifting global supply and demand can influence pricing and availability over time.

For UK agriculture, the message is familiar:
planning ahead remains key in an increasingly competitive global market.

Energy & Transport: The Hidden Influence

Energy markets continue to play a major role in shaping agricultural costs.

Recent disruption to key shipping routes has contributed to rising oil prices, which can have a knock-on effect across the sector — from fertiliser production to haulage and distribution.

These changes are often gradual, but they remain one of the biggest underlying drivers of cost volatility in agriculture.

Global Market, Local Impact

The UK is part of a global agricultural system, and that comes with both opportunity and challenge.

During periods of tighter supply, larger agricultural economies often secure priority access to key inputs. This can increase competition and influence pricing in smaller markets like the UK.

It reinforces an important reality:
local farming conditions are increasingly shaped by global events.

Animal Health & Biosecurity Update

There is more positive news in the livestock sector, with avian influenza housing measures set to be lifted in April following a reduction in risk.

However, biosecurity remains essential. As birds return outdoors after several months of housing, careful management will be important to minimise welfare issues and maintain health standards.

Across all livestock sectors, disease prevention continues to be a key focus — particularly as seasonal changes bring increased movement and activity.

Policy & Industry Developments

Ongoing discussions between industry bodies and Government are highlighting several key priorities for UK agriculture, including:

• Supporting fertiliser supply resilience
• Improving farmer access to finance and purchasing confidence
• Increasing transparency across supply chains
• Clarifying future regulations, including carbon-related policies

While many of these developments are longer-term, they reflect a continued focus on strengthening UK food production and supply chain stability.

What Does This Mean on Farm?

In the short term, conditions remain relatively stable.

However, several clear themes are emerging:

• Continued volatility in input costs
• Growing influence of global markets
• Increasing importance of planning and flexibility

For farmers and producers, staying informed and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers will be key to navigating the season ahead.

Looking Ahead

As spring progresses, attention will turn to crop development, grazing conditions and livestock performance.

While uncertainty remains in global markets, the UK agricultural sector continues to adapt — balancing immediate pressures with longer-term resilience.

Supporting You This Season

At Target Feeds, we continue to monitor market developments closely to help support our customers with practical, informed feeding solutions throughout the year.