Securing feed supplies is becoming increasingly challenging for Swiss farms and feed companies. Fluctuating harvests, drought, high production costs, uncertain supply chains, and limited available quantities are all occurring simultaneously in a market that is heavily dependent on foreign sources. This development is particularly relevant for Switzerland, as a significant portion of the required feed and raw materials comes from other European countries or is sourced through international supply chains. If the supply situation in Germany, France, Austria, or Eastern Europe deteriorates, the effects can therefore be felt very quickly on the Swiss market as well.
By 2026, it will become particularly clear that price is no longer the only deciding factor in feed procurement. More and more often, the first question that arises is: Is the required product even available in sufficient quantities and at the desired time? For many buyers, the focus is therefore increasingly shifting from a pure price comparison to availability, delivery time, origin, transport capacity, and planning reliability.
The supply situation is becoming tighter
European agricultural markets are currently under considerable pressure. Drought and high temperatures have reduced harvest expectations in several regions. The outlook for corn, in particular, has become significantly weaker in parts of Europe. At the same time, lower pasture yields are leading to increased regional demand for supplemental feed. As a result, demand is rising at precisely a time when the supply of certain raw materials is already limited. This creates a challenging combination for the market: fewer available goods, higher demand, and greater price volatility.
This situation does not affect only individual feedstuffs. When a key raw material becomes scarce, buyers turn to alternatives. This, in turn, increases demand for other products. A poor corn harvest, for example, can affect not only the corn market itself but also other energy and protein sources, as well as byproducts of the food and bioenergy industries. As a result, shortages can spread from one market segment to the next.
Switzerland is particularly dependent on a smooth flow of imports
For Swiss buyers, there is another factor to consider: the country’s relatively high dependence on imports. Switzerland cannot fully meet its demand for various types of animal feed through domestic production alone. Farms, compound feed manufacturers, and distributors therefore rely on the availability of goods from abroad and on the ability to transport them to Switzerland cost-effectively. When producers offer fewer goods, larger domestic markets can sometimes have an advantage because buyers are located closer to the goods and do not require additional cross-border logistics.
For Swiss companies, this means that available quantities must sometimes be secured earlier. Procuring larger quantities, in particular, is becoming more difficult on short notice. For example, a producer may still be able to offer smaller quantities, but not enough to fill several truckloads. Other suppliers may have goods in stock but cannot deliver until much later. As a result, feed procurement is increasingly becoming a matter of planning rather than just price.
A pricing problem is increasingly becoming an availability problem
In recent years, many businesses have focused primarily on price trends. In 2026, however, it is becoming increasingly clear that high prices are not the only potential problem. A low price is of little help if the desired quantity is not available or cannot be delivered on time. Extreme weather conditions further exacerbate this situation. A prolonged dry spell in a key production region can lead to lower yield expectations within a short period of time. Market participants are already responding to this even before the actual harvest, with traders securing volumes, producers becoming more cautious with their offers, and buyers trying to meet their needs earlier.
This is particularly relevant for Swiss buyers because they often compete with buyers from several European countries for the same quantities. At the same time, logistical demands are increasing. Even if a producer has goods available, they still have to be transported to Switzerland. The availability of vehicles, distance from the production site, diesel prices, seasonal transport capacity, and delivery dates can be just as decisive as the actual product price. The price at the production site alone therefore provides only limited insight into whether a product is actually economically viable for a Swiss business.
Sugar beet pulp, pellets, and DDGS are also coming under greater scrutiny
When traditional feed ingredients become harder to obtain or more expensive, interest in other raw materials automatically increases. This is precisely why byproducts such as sugar beet pulp pellets (SBPP) or DDGS (dried distillers’ grains with solubles) are coming more into focus. Both products have been well-established feed ingredients for many years, but they are gaining even greater importance in a tight supply situation because buyers want to diversify their raw material base.
In the case of sugar beet pulp pellets (SBPP), production is closely tied to the sugar beet harvest season. Between harvest seasons, the market is largely supplied from existing inventory. If these stocks are sold more quickly than expected, or if demand from several countries increases simultaneously, available quantities can drop significantly. In the case of DDGS or corn distillers’ grains, the available quantity depends on the production and capacity utilization of ethanol producers. Here, too, supply cannot be expanded at will simply because demand for animal feed is rising.
For buyers, this means, above all, that just because a product is generally available on the market does not automatically mean that large quantities are available at short notice at any time.
Short-term procurement is becoming riskier
In a tight market, a purely short-term purchasing strategy is becoming increasingly ineffective. Those who wait until their own inventory is nearly depleted to begin their search will have fewer options. At that point, only goods from more distant regions may be available, delivery dates may be delayed, or higher prices may have to be accepted. For businesses with consistent consumption in particular, it can therefore make sense to plan their needs for the coming months, at least roughly.
The point is not to purchase all quantities immediately. It is more important to know early on what quantities are needed and which sources of supply are generally available. Having multiple supply sources is also becoming more important. If a producer drops out or sells its available quantities to other customers early on, an alternative should be available. Keeping an eye on different European regions of origin can therefore make an important contribution to supply security.
Feed procurement is becoming more strategic
The current situation does not mean that agricultural businesses should immediately secure every available metric ton. However, it does show that purely short-term procurement is becoming increasingly risky. Those who know their needs early on have more opportunities to compare different sources, plan delivery dates, and review offers in a timely manner.
For Swiss farms and feed companies, the focus should therefore no longer be solely on the question: “Where can I get the cheapest feed today?” It is at least as important to ask: “Where can I reliably source the quantity I need in the coming months?”
Agro-Trade sources feed and agricultural raw materials for customers in Switzerland and works with various European suppliers and producers to do so. The current product range includes sugar beet pulp pellets, sugar beet molasses, DDGS (dried distillers’ grains with solubles), rapeseed cake, and sunflower meal. In addition to competitive terms, the company places particular emphasis on availability, origin, lead time, and reliable delivery to Switzerland.
The 2026 Feed Procurement Report illustrates just how quickly market conditions can change. Poor harvests, drought, high production costs, rising demand, and limited inventory are compounded by international supply chains that are also critical for Swiss farms. As a result, what was once purely a matter of price comparison is increasingly becoming a question of supply security.
This is especially true for Switzerland: Those who wait until there is an urgent need for feed to start looking for it have fewer options in a tight market. Early planning, diverse supply sources, and alternative feedstuffs are therefore becoming increasingly important. Sugar beet pulp pellets, SBPP, and DDGS (dried distillers’ grains with solubles) can serve as key components of a more broadly diversified feed procurement strategy.
Request Animal Feed for Switzerland
Are you looking to purchase sugar beet pulp pellets, sugar beet molasses, DDGS (dried distillers grains with solubles), rapeseed meal, or sunflower meal in Switzerland? Agro-Trade checks current availability, quantities, prices, and delivery options with European producers.
We arrange for the delivery of larger quantities directly to Switzerland. Depending on the product, deliveries can be made in bulk or in big bags, and under DAP and DDP terms.
Please contact us for current prices and availability.