Chunk prices rose further in February. This is apparent from new data from Wageningen Economic Research (WUR). The expected stabilization of raw material prices did not materialize, although the demand for protein-rich feed remains high. This is not only the case here, but also worldwide. Prices of maize, soy and wheat have risen, which is reflected in the lump prices.
The price of standard chunk A has increased by €0,50 this month, resulting in a price of €25,80 per 100 kilos. The price continues to rise every month to the record level from 2013, when this price peaked at €26,60 per 100 kilos. The price of protein-rich chunk B shows an increase of €0,55 and amounts to €28,15 per 100 kilos. Silage maize core chunks are the biggest risers and are higher at €38 than last month (+€1,20).
Meat pork chunks are trading at €26,25 this month, a plus of €0,75. Sow pellet gestation and sow pellet lakto have also increased in price and are currently trading at €27,30 and €31,60 per 100 kilos respectively. Baby piglet pellet has increased by €0,80 to €37,80.
Tightness predominates
De Boerenbusiness Compound feed price indicator predicts that the increase in bulk prices will continue. This is in line with the raw materials market, where prices are rising across the board. China remains a buyer of feed raw materials and thus creates a significant floor in the market. During the soy growing season, there was no rain in Brazil. Now that the harvest has started there, farmers are dealing with rain, which is delaying the harvest.
Since this month, Russia's export duties on wheat have also come into effect. These have a price-raising effect. This makes European wheat more internationally competitive. The additional demand this causes causes a rise in the price of European feed wheat and barley. These developments create extra tension in an already tight market.