Maize is the focus of attention. The rain of the last few days may have slowed the harvest train down a bit, but traders are not complaining about the supply. The demand for by-products that can be put on the silage is also good. In straw, the supply remains the bottleneck.
The supply of silage maize is not disappointing according to various traders. The rain fell later than originally predicted. There are quite large regional differences, but due to the rain not all choppers are in operation. Others are throwing it at the fact that the demand is somewhat lower than in previous years. Whichever way you look at it, prices for maize are now under pressure. The DCA Indicative Price for silage maize for the new harvest is falling by €5 to €70 per tonne delivered on the plate excluding shovel.
A representative hectare price remains difficult due to the large variation in the state of the corn. A month ago, good, even corn was paid up to around €3.000 per hectare. Now you don't get that for it anymore. The range is from around €1.800 to €2.500 per hectare, depending on the region and how well the corn is doing.
With the corn harvest underway, there is also a peak in demand for cover for the silage. One trader finds the supply on the meagre side, while another calls the demand good. The effect is the same. What becomes available quickly finds a buyer. The regular feeders are preferred by most traders over the demand for cover. As is almost usual around this time, potato fibres are practically in high demand. Some livestock farmers are also interested in potato chips, for example, but the supply of these is limited.
The DCA Indicative Price of brewers grains takes a step back to €3,50 per percent dry matter. Brewers are increasing production and although the demand for brewers grains is good, more is becoming available. Calculated in terms of feed value, brewers grains were on the expensive side, so to remain competitive, distributors are adjusting the price.
The DCA Indicative Price for straw remains the same this week at €170 per tonne. According to insiders, supply is tight and demand is good. A trader says: "Not available, except from Spain." That is nice dry pressed straw of good quality. But in France, a little more straw is said to be coming out of the barn, which could provide some relief. But that is not yet reflected in the prices. That is not expected to change in the short term.
Barley straw is also not very easy to get. One trader offers barley straw €5 cheaper than wheat straw, most ask the same and a few even ask more for barley straw.
The DCA Indicative Price for grass seed hay rises slightly this week to €190 per tonne, with the comment that there is hardly any trade in it. If a load does go away every now and then, then according to insiders these are relatively high prices. But the supply is very scarce. Meadow hay also notes a modest plus. The DCA Indicative Price for meadow hay thus comes to €195 per tonne. It is also a stable and quiet trade in meadow hay.
The DCA Indicative Price for good silage grass remains stable this week at €85 per tonne. Late harvested autumn grass is cheaper. The DCA Indicative Price for feed potatoes remains the same at €50 per tonne. However, supply is limited. Processors pick up almost anything that still resembles a potato.