Dear Customer
As we are deep in planning for this coming year, we take time to reflect on the 2025 season. Throughout the summer and bird release we saw a dry season with high temperatures, yet heavy downpours of rain, leading to increased disease. As the shoot season kicked off it was a pleasant surprise to be out without coats, however things certainly changed near the end with heavy rain, snow and flooding causing problems for many shoots, resulting in cancelled days.
Preparations are well under way for the coming season with diets already being checked and raw materials ordered. As always, we review our formulations to ensure continued quality and value.
After a visit with our nutritionist in early May, to a customer in the Scottish Highlands on high ground, we decided to run a trial on a new feed for partridges. After keeping the partridges on this new pellet from September to the end of season, the customer noticed a big difference. He quoted “Partridges are looking good and doing well. Their fitness is serious, and they are starting to eat less but still holding great body condition. I have seen a massive difference in them this year. We have had terrible weather, but the birds held condition, even when being driven in wet weather.”
Talking to customers, their shoot diaries are already filling up fast for the coming season, which is positive for the industry. The demand for shooting is still there, with many clients returning from overseas as well as close to home.
The escalating US – Israel conflict with Iran is causing increased geopolitical tensions in the middle East and higher energy costs, which has as much influence on grains and oilseeds, as the usual fundamental factors of supply and demand, acres planted and weather.
Wheat on the international markets is trading towards the lower end of the usual range. The Black Sea region is critical for world trade, a cessation of war between Russia and Ukraine would lower logistics costs and boost supply from the region.
On the protein side we find a Soya market waiting to see if China will increase shipments from the US leaving prices at lower levels compared to recent averages, and South America look to harvest another huge crop during our spring.
Against this backdrop of changing global grain and protein markets, we plan our raw material buying carefully so that your feed remains consistent in quality and available throughout the season.
Thank you for your continued custom. I wish you all a safe and successful season and look forward to working with you in the coming months.
L. Fotheringham
T: 07522 233309
louise@sprattsgamefoods.co.uk
SALES OFFICE: 01750 725250
JOIN SPRATT’S at the following shows:
ROYAL HIGHLAND SHOW – Avenue Q, 18th – 21st June 2026
SCONE GAME FAIR – 3rd – 5th July 2026