News
Predicted Pricerise as Painful as Expected by Tim Warren on 08 May 2008

Predicted Pricerise as Painful as Expected

Last summer we were pleased to have signed supply contracts before the prices started to rise. Whilst this meant we were able to hold prices stable, it did not help us to cope with the unprecedented increase in sales for certain products post Christmas. For the first time to date we were unable to buy additional product at any price.

As early as last summer we warned that we would not escape major price increases this year (2008) and sadly that time is now upon us.

We have now concluded most contracting for the year and as ever have opted for UK supply where at all possible for quality and traceability. We will need to supplement with additional tonnage from abroad as forages are short in the UK, but quality will be the watchword.

The price increase we need to pass on to balance our books is about 26%. Some products are not increasing and others are rising by more than this.

There will be some increase in van delivery charges and an improved service for those of you in our direct pallet delivery areas. Direct parcels will remain unchanged for the time being.

Please be assured we will always reflect any change in supply prices as soon as we can.

For details of the increases please consult your local supplier either by phoning your usual contact or by typing your postcode into the “How To Order” page of this website.

Price increase date is Monday 12th of May 2008

Thankyou for your continued support.

Simple System Backs Holistic Horse Show 2008 by Tim Warren on 01 April 2008


We are really proud to be major sponsors of the Holistic Horse Show 2008. We look forward to seeing you all at UNEX Towerlands on 24-26th Of October2008.
Jane van Lennep will be presenting her Bucket to Barrow talk twice each day in the Simple System Therapy Centre.
We will also be available to give advice in the Bistro area and will have a retail point in the Shopping Mall.

It is a sign of the times that at last we have an experienced and professional show producer who is successfully pulling together all the different strands of this diverse industry to offer you a well balanced mix of knowledge, therapies and products.

Not to be missed!

Prices Early Warning! by Tim Warren on 18 March 2008

Last year I wrote about Global demand for food, poor harvests and the knock on effect I expected this would have on horse food. This year we are experiencing the effect.

Horseowners have had a remarkable period of feed price stability with low inflation and a forever cheap supply of hay. This position has changed and the market will be significantly short for the next few years.

I foresaw that this year the prices for forages would go through the roof in a major readjustment in world commodity markets. It was like an accident waiting to happen as the downward pressure on food prices had held commodity prices down and this had a knock on effect on forages as well.

For this reason I contracted supplies early last year and we managed to protect ourselves and our customers from the worst effects of the increases which bit later in the year.

In the 2008 season we just cannot hide any longer.

With continuing drought in the southern hemisphere and rising demand for food from developing countries, the competition for land to grow cereals is putting significant pressure on the forage sector, which can no longer ignore what is happening.

This year the first objective is to secure supplies of forages. We have our regular suppliers whom we would like to support, but we are also being very proactive in researching other markets and suppliers. The criteria by which we judge the suitability of a supplier are as follows:

Product quality - and all this entails
Production integrity - from growing through drying and into the bag
Traceability - must be proven
Sustainability of supply - the further the distance the higher the risk of interruption
Carbon footprint - quality of production plant and sundried imports versus local fossil fuel dried products
Price - If all above boxes are ticked this will never be the lowest but it should be fair.

More information will be available shortly - watch this space!

Tim Warren

Understanding Magnesium - Its role in metabolism - Avoiding deficiency and excess by Tim Warren on 18 March 2008

Magnesium.

Magnesium is an important mineral and electrolyte. It is a major constituent of bones and teeth. It is required by many body processes as an activator of enzymes. Although figures are quoted for minimum requirements, these are imprecise but generally accepted as being in region of 0.06% of diet (2.5% of b/wt) or 13 mg/kg. 0.5% is considered the maximum requirement. Prolonged supplementation with magnesium salts can lead, for instance, to phosphorous deficiency and lameness. (Black’s Veterinary Dictionary 7th ed 1964). Catastrophic long bone fractures may be a final outcome. For the performance horse, excess magnesium interfering with calcium may lead to metabolic disturbances such as heart malfunction and synchronous diaphragmatic flutters. (L.Benwell,unpublished, pers comm. 2007)

Signs of deficiency include hyperirritability, glazed eyes, tetany, collapse, triggered often by stress. Excess phosphorous can inhibit digestion of magnesium, as well as excess calcium, but in treating Mg deficiency, Mg is given in combination with Ca.

Magnesium ( as Mag Sulphate, Epsom Salts) has been and still is, used as a sedative and analgesic. In a recent trial, patients given 0.5 g – 1 g of Mag. Sulphate required only half the amount of analgesic post operatively following back surgery and hysterectomy. The effects last up to 3 days. It is also used to pacify hysterical children in the hospital environment. (T. Moore, pers comm..2007) Magnesium sulphate was used intravenously as an anaesthetic agent in horses prior to the advent of barbiturates and inhalation anaesthetics (Kato et al 1968, cited in Nutrient Requirements of Horses, NRC, 1989)

A natural forage based diet is rarely deficient in Magnesium. Deep rooting forages such as lucerne fix considerable amounts of available magnesium, typically 0.26 to 0.33%, thus providing 4 –6 times the minimum amount. For an average horse, 2 kg per day of lucerne will provide the entire day’s requirement. Absorption of magnesium from high temperature dried lucerne is greater than from Timothy hay. (D. Frape, Equine Nutrition and Feeding, 3rd ed. 1998). Deficiency is possible on grain based diets, due to reduced levels of dietary intake and the possible inhibiting effect of the high levels of phosphorous in grains and pulses. All minerals and trace elements are less well absorbed when the diet contains significant amounts of soluble carbohydrate.

For example:
Lucerne 0.26 – 0.33%
PuraBeet 0.17%
Total Eclipse 0.45%
Grass 0.14 – 0.38%
Requirement 0.06%
Max tolerated 0.5%

To ascertain whether or not a horse is deficient in magnesium, a blood test can be done. Normal levels are 1.6 – 2.0 mg/dl. Deficiency is most unlikely on a simple diet based on high temperature dried lucerne, unmolassed beet pulp and a specific forage balancer such as Total Eclipse with appropriate amounts of suitable hay and / or grazing.

Over supplying magnesium and observing reduced pain and anxiety does not gurantee that the magnesium is addressing a deficiency, but rather, the analgesic and sedative effects may be being observed. The underlying causes of the problem may remain and be unaffected.

Should additional magnesium be needed, it is best supplied as a feed naturally supplying good levels, or failing that, in small amounts as Epsom Salts. Ground rock sources are poorly accepted and probably very poorly absorbed. If your pasture is magnesium deficient Calcined Magnesite is an appropriate pasture treatment, or Kieserite in cases of Mg deficiency with high pH.

© Jane van Lennep
© Simple System Ltd
July 2007.

No reproduction or distribution in any form without permission.

and there's more...............................................................

Spring grass can be short of Magnesium!

When the grass is growing fast in the spring, it can get short of Magnesium, especially if it is of a productive species like Ryegrass and / or it has been fertilised. Agricultural grassland may be especially prone to springtime magnesium deficiency.

Supplementing with Magnesium salts can be risky as long term, this can cause lameness due to the bones weakening – too much magnesium impedes the uptake of calcium and phosphorous. As Magnesium is an analgesic (pain killer), you may not notice other problems (such as unsoundness) brewing.

Reducing the soluble carbohydrates (sugars and starch) in the diet will help ensure better uptake of minerals generally. A good action plan to avoid Magnesium deficiency in the spring is:
• Cut out the sugars and starches from the diet. These are in any grain based feed (oats, barley, wheat, maize etc), pulses (peas and beans of all types) and molasses as well as corn syrup and other sweeteners.
• Ensure that the horse has plenty of Magnesium in a natural, available form. 2 kg per day of 100% pure Lucerne such as LucieBix, LucieCobs, LucieNuts, Sun Dried Lucerne and Green Gold will provide an average horse with all its requirement. Other excellent sources are Instant Linseed, Pure Ocean Seaweed, Traditional Brewers Yeast, Total Eclipse, Lunar Eclipse, Eclipse Recovery, MetaSlim, PuraBeet and the Pure Salt Lick Bucket.
• Avoid feeds such as chops containing straw, as this is very low in all minerals.
• Use unfertilised pastures, avoiding fast growing species like Ryegrass.

The Simple System Ltd help line is happy to discuss your feeding requirements for the spring. Please call 01728 604 008 between 9 and 5, Monday – Friday but not Bank Holidays.

Jane van Lennep B.Sc., M.Sc., N.P.S.D., B.H.S.I. (S.M.Cert)
Head of Nutrition
Simple System Ltd

Price Revue Effective From1st November by Tim Warren on 15 October 2007

Yes it is that time of year again!

We know the price of feed has a serious impact on the viability of keeping a horse as many of our employees are horse owners. For that reason we try to keep increase to the minimum.
This year has been trickier as we have been affected by the massive cereal price increase which has a knock on effect on the forage market.

The world grain and protein shortage was long predicted and the poor start to the season and the reduced southern hemisphere harvest suggested to me that it would really start to bite this year. Knowing how all crops are inter-related I guessed there would be a knock on effect on our business and thus made a point of buying much of our stock for the year in April and May.

This means we have been able to peg our increases to 8% this year. We may not be so lucky next year. Watch the weather!

There are some exceptions to the 8%:

We intend to keep delivery charges the same for yet another year.

Garlic products have gone down slightly this year and Pure Ocean Seaweed is a non mover.

Linseed has increased massively but we are absorbing much of the pain and limiting the increase to the 8%.

If my finger in the air job has been correct we will hold these prices for a year, but in such a volatile market nothing can be guaranteed. We should know by May.

If you wish to have a pricelist prior to the 1st of November (price change date) please ring your franchisee or, if you are supplied by head office we can give you an up to date pricelist for your area. There should be pricelists available in pdf format on the website in the next few days.
To access these click on "how to order" and put your postcode into the box and press return or click search. The page which comes up will contain a link to the pricelists.

Thank you for your custom over the last year. Please be assured we will continue to provide you with a horse friendly and cost effective way to feed your horse.

Tim Warren


The Global Market and You by Tim Warren on 04 October 2007

"No man is an island"

The past year has brought to pass a much feared prediction that the world price of cereals and proteins was set to rise from their low levels.

The circumstances which have combined to precipitate this long expected price hike have been unprecedented. Set against the backdrop of a steeply rising curve of demand from developing countries such as China and India, we have experienced a very poor world harvest in both the Northern and the Southern Hemispheres. The North due to a cold wet summer and a hot dry summer in the Southern Hemisphere. World stocks are now at there lowest ever levels and are still in sharp decline. This is clearly serious for horse owners especially in addition to the concerns we all share over the low quantity and quality of this years hay crop. However the human cost may be much higher leading to difficult choices as to whether livestock or humans should take precedence in the grains and protein markets.

To date we have seen sharp rises in the prices of cereals in particular with wheat increasing in the region of 150% in the last year. The knock on effect for cereal based horsefeeds has been a typical increase between June 07 and December 07 of 20%. There is talk of further price rises in the new year but whilst there is some justification for this it is conjecture at this stage. As for the future a good harvest and the additional acreage drilled to wheat may stem the upward trend and in fact cause a reversal but as increased demand is half the equation I feel we must be prepared for this trend to be resumed.

Be sure of one thing Simple System Ltd are researching alternative forage based feed resources for our equine friends.

Tim Warren
Oct 2007


New Product: MetaSlim by Tim Warren on 06 July 2007

A high specification, balanced feed developed by our Director of Nutrition in consultation with a leading veterinary surgeon. The latest research into equine metabolism, pituitary function and hoof health has been combined with findings from new developments in the field of human blood sugar studies. The result is MetaSlim, a carefully sourced and balanced complementary feed to optimize blood sugar levels, insulin effectiveness and metabolic rate.
We suggest that this feed is appropriate for horses and ponies which are prone to laminitis, overweight, have fat pads or crests and appear depressed. MetaSlim will support hormonal balance and maintain the healthy functioning of the pituitary gland.
Every ingredient is natural and in combination will optimise blood sugar levels, metabolic rate and aid digestion. The ideal ratio of Calcium to Magnesium has been achieved. Herbs and spices included are all human food grade. The widest spectrum of trace elements is in a bio-available form for maximum benefit and includes zinc, chromium, copper and selenium. Contains naturally-occurring carotene (Vitamin A), Vitamin E, B complex Vitamins and very high levels of natural anti-oxidants.

It does not contain any drugs, prohibited substances, fillers, artificial flavourings nor any products or by products of cereal or pulses production. There are no molasses or any artificial preservatives.

Customer Testimonials:
Overweight Connemara x:
“From 26th of April to 17th May on MetaSlim and PuraBeet Mabel lost 20kg, 3cm from her girth and stopped itching.”

Shetland pony:
“We struggled for years with my Shetland’s feet and felt there was nothing more we could do. But now he is on MetaSlim he has cheered up no end and we are very happy with his progress”.

Ingredients:
Forage leaf, full fat oilseed, stabilised yeast, spice, Ascophyllum nodosum, herbal mint, magnesium salts

Suggested feeding rate:
100g per 100 kg bodyweight.

Method of use:
Divide the MetaSlim into 2 feeds and mix with an equal volume of LucieStalk or soaked PuraBeet or dampen and feed.
DO NOT COMBINE WITH ANY OTHER FEED.
THE USE OF OTHER SUPPLEMENTS WITH THIS FEED IS NOT RECOMMENDED.
Feed with late cut hay, low sugar/high fibre haylage or suitable grazing. Please consult our helpline if your horse or pony is dentally challenged and cannot eat long fibre.
When the horse or pony is able to resume work, and additional feeding is required, use only Simple System Ltd feeds free from all additives, preservatives, cereals, pulses and molasses.
If you would like further information about using this or any other products we are always happy to discuss your horse or pony and his needs via email or our helpline 01728 604 008 or 01371 870 753.

Simple System Ltd GM Policy by Tim Warren on 16 March 2006

We are opposed to the development of Genetically Modified varieties of plants and other organisms. If you would like to view our policy on GM, please click here for an Adobe PDF File.


Extension of Van Delivery Areas by Tim Warren on 06 March 2006

As we help create more and more Simple System Ltd franchises, so the area covered by van deliveries increases. However these are not the only benefits. Behind a franchise van delivery lies a trained franchisee able to advise on feeds and feeding. In turn, the franchisee can call on our assistance for any queries they do not feel able to answer.

It is anticipated that your local franchisee will plan activities in your area in order to enable you to understand more fully all aspects of your horse’s environment and management. You should feel free to point out any facets of your horse’s relationship to its food, environment and work that you like to know more about. If there is enough interest in a particular area of equine interest, we will organise an appropriate meeting or other means to disseminate information.

So to get you started please go to the “How To Order” page on the website and put your entire postcode into the box provided and press return to ascertain whether you have a franchisee in your area and to reveal their contact details.

If on doing so you are given either of the Simple System Ltd office contact details please feel free to contact us to find out how our plans for your area are progressing.


Vegan Society by Tim Warren on 20 December 2005



GOOD NEWS!

All of our feed products are now registered with the Vegan Society. We are the only feed company to have this registration, it means all of our products are free of animal involvement. This further shows our commitment to providing your horse with food that nature intended they should eat, after all the horse is an obligate herbivore!


Over 30 years of Forage Feeding