Despite the fact that spreading on the grain stubble is in sight and more plots are becoming available for spreading, fertilizer prices continue to rise. Supply and demand are quite out of balance. Just like this spring, the weather seems to be a bummer in the coming weeks.
The wet spring in combination with less space for placement due to the CAP and the phasing out of derogation has led to a considerable surplus of manure. On average, the pressure on the fertilizer market has increased further in the recent period. This applies to both pig and cattle slurry. In the south and center of the Netherlands, in addition to spreading on grassland, there is some more activity, such as on vacant bulb land and the first grain plots, but this does not lead to real relief from the high pressure. It now appears that arable farmers are not very keen on accepting manure. A contractor indicates that relatively little is being spread out with the plots that have already become available.
Rain spoils the game again
The situation is not very different from previous weeks. Manure intermediaries and contractors indicate that they continue to receive offers from all sides, more than in previous years. The grain harvest will create more demand for liquid manure and reduce the pressure somewhat, but with the current weather forecast the combines will remain under the roof for a while. However, some manure intermediaries and contractors indicate that if the demand for liquid manure does pick up in the coming period, this will probably not lead to immediate price reductions.
De collection contributions according to DCA quotations show an increase in cattle slurry this week (week 29), depending on the region. The Barneveld region increased by €1,50 to €20 per tonne. In Markelo, cattle slurry also increased by €1 to €19,50. On average, the south region stands at €20,33 per tonne for cattle slurry. The middle region stands at €20 per tonne. Pig slurry remained virtually stable this week, but has increased in recent weeks.