Time is running out with the removal of manure and that is noticeable by the unrest among the suppliers. Now that spreading has started again, it seems to be becoming clear how high the manure supply is. Everything is offered in a very short time.
Just now that the manure can be used again and considerable volumes are being spread, the distress among livestock farmers is increasing. This is because time is running out, which means that a lot of manure is offered in a short time. It is now or not at all for cattle and pork farmers to spread the manure. The first and most important question is no longer 'how much should it cost', but 'is there still room to dispose of manure?'
Big deal
However, it is quite a task to arrange sales for livestock farmers who have not yet made agreements. Manure intermediaries and contractors are generally full and help regular customers first. Moreover, they are cautious about making agreements, given the current prices and the uncertainty about further developments. A number of fertilizer intermediaries have already traded at lower fixed price agreements in recent months, which turned out wrong. The same applies to the livestock farmer who found the manure disposal costs too high earlier this season and now has to pay even more.
There seems to be more space available in arable farming, now that arable farmers are receiving more money for accepting manure. Yet there is no peak pressure. In certain regions it is still too wet and not all the grain has been harvested, let alone the straw. "Arable farmers have not come that far yet and the soil is not nearly suitable enough everywhere," says an intermediary. Another part does not want to use liquid manure on their land at all. In addition, contractors are also busy with other things in the grassland or pressing straw. "A lot of the work comes at the same time this season and then some of the staff also have summer holidays."
Further price increases in the offing
DCA's manure collection contributions have been largely the same to slightly increasing in recent weeks, for both cattle and pig slurry. DCA quotes pig slurry – depending on region – between €22,50 and €25,00 per cubic meter. Cattle slurry is priced at €20,50 to €22,50 per cubic meter. However, sometimes higher amounts are charged to livestock farmers, as long as it is removed. Several manure intermediaries indicate that a further price increase is obvious, given the large manure surplus.