Due to the dry spring, the wheat stayed a lot shorter this year, which means that it is now clear that considerably less straw is available. Has this made it more interesting for arable farmers to sell straw? Or do they opt for shredding?
Traders report that most arable farmers are currently paying around €60 to €70 per tonne for their wheat straw (loose on the land, excluding pressing and transport). However, the price remains area-specific. For example, prices of €70 per tonne in the Flevopolder are not necessarily unusual, while in Zeeland this is seen as an outlier. In addition, an arable farmer who lives near a livestock farmer will obtain a price of €70 per tonne more quickly than if the arable farm is located in an arable area.
Prices at regional agricultural fairs correspond reasonably well to this range. The Emmeloord exchange notes at week 31 for wheat straw the price is between €55 and €70 per tonne (loose in the field) and in Middenmeer the price is €70 per tonne (large bales). It is striking that the agricultural fair in Goes is trading significantly higher. The price there is €70 to €85 per tonne of wheat straw (bales).
Less product pushes prices up
The fact that the ex-field price is relatively high this year is mainly because fewer kilos have been taken from the field. After all; Due to the drought, the wheat is a lot shorter this year. In addition, there is varying discussion about quality. Many traders see that straw from early sown wheat is of good quality, while straw from late plots is significantly less. On the other hand, it is somewhat striking that the bisexuality in the wheat has not had any major consequences for the straw. According to traders, the product is not greener than in other years, although this was expected.
Although the dry spring resulted in fewer kilos, according to traders it has also provided an advantage. Virtually no wheat straw was lost when the product was brought in. Last year this was the case. This has kept the price increase somewhat in check.
Shredding is becoming more and more interesting
But, now that the price of straw is higher, has it become more interesting for arable farmers to sell straw? Or would they rather opt for chopping? According to traders, chopping is and will continue to be the preference of the arable farmer. This is mainly due to the fact that arable farmers in the Netherlands cannot match the low prices from abroad (such as Spain and France).
In addition, arable farmers are increasingly recognizing the value of chopping their straw. In combination with compost it is seen as valuable organic matter. All in all, the arable farmer cannot (yet) achieve enough margin on selling the straw. The costs of nutrient removal are simply higher than the yield of the straw.