Countus Arable Farm Index
Arable markets in calm waters
Although the graphs show some movement, the Countus Arable Farm Index ended up in calm waters during the month of February. Due to the cold, it seems that the markets are also largely frozen.
Some products experienced a short-lived price rally due to the cold. The grain market, for example, was able to benefit from a higher Matif quotation, but lost this position again at the beginning of March. From the peak (€167,25), €6 was left on March 163, a loss of €4,25 per tonne.
The potato futures market also briefly recovered, but that too soon passed. However, physical problems, due to the cold, are no longer noticeable. The potato storage areas can withstand low temperatures well, which also applies to the storage areas for onions. At most the logistics are somewhat hindered.
Small differences
The Countus Arable Farm Index peaked at the beginning of February, with a level of 63.9 points. This is due to an upturn in onion prices. Subsequently, the Index declined, reaching 61.7 points in the middle of the month. As a result of the winter conditions, the Index subsequently managed to rise above 62 points again.
Little is expected for the April contract on the development of the potato futures market. This has an effect on the Index. Grain and onion prices should make the difference in the next 4 weeks. The free trade in seed potatoes (Bintje) plays a minimal role, given the acreage in the Netherlands. Trading is almost completely lacking on the Middenmeer stock exchange, which means that there is no input in the Index.
Niels van der Boom
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