News Countus Arable Farm Index
Recovery of arable markets is very fragile
After 2 months of a slightly more positive tone, the Countus Arable Farm Index was able to materialize this sentiment during October. With the publication of the preliminary yield estimate from Statistics Netherlands (CBS) a better picture can be given of the yield in the arable sector.
In week 43, the Countus Arable Farm Index again a level above 90 points. This last happened briefly in week 30 (end of July). The time before that was in week 20 (mid-May). During October, the Index showed a slightly rising picture. The month started with 85,8 points and ended with 90,7 points. In week 43, a provisional high of 91,4 points was reached for this marketing season.
The reason for this revival can be found in the pricing of chips potatoes on the potato futures market in Leipzig. The April contract reached a price level of €25 per 17,80 kilos there on 100 October. This level then fell again, to end the month at €16,90 per 100 kilos. This price is also used at the beginning of November.
Rising onion price
At the same time, the Emmeloord seed onion quotation (30% to 60% coarse) made a jump on 23 October from €11 to €12,50 per 100 kilos, which it has been recording on ever since. The Rotterdam feed wheat price is also flat.
On the last day of October, Statistics Netherlands presented its preliminary harvest estimate for seed onions, ware potatoes and sugar beet. Yields are significantly higher than 2018, which was marked by drought, but only slightly above or below the multi-year average.
New figures
The Arable Farming Index calculates with the areas, yields and price formation. For example, the sector barometer can provide a picture of the situation among arable farmers. These figures provide a better picture of the sector's return, also with retroactive effect. The final estimate will follow in January.
Niels van der Boom
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