The fall in manure prices continues for the time being, although the rate of decline in the south of the Netherlands continues to be considerably faster than in the rest of the country. The favourable weather conditions certainly help, as do the increased artificial fertiliser prices.
Meanwhile, manure prices in the Netherlands have been falling for five weeks in a row. Since this week, the DCA collection contributions for cattle manure for the regions of Deurne, Tilburg and Uden have been below the threshold of €30 per cubic metre for the first time since April last year. Pig manure prices in the south have fallen back to around €33 per cubic metre, but are coming from a considerably higher level. Above the rivers, manure prices are also falling, but at a more moderate pace. Here, the manure silos are generally much fuller than elsewhere.
Arable farming season is gaining momentum
In addition, the arable farming season is already more in full swing in the south than in the northern provinces. In Zeeland and Goeree-Overflakkee, for example, according to intermediaries, full-scale manure is currently being spread on arable land. Elsewhere, liquid manure is currently mainly being applied to grassland. However, the season is also about to start here, because persistent dry weather is in the offing. In addition, temperatures will rise again from next week. This may accelerate the fall in manure prices in the more northern areas.
More expensive fertilizer
The risen fertilizer prices makes arable farmers more open to liquid manure than usual this year, according to intermediaries. With amounts to be paid of €15 to a maximum of €20 per cubic meter, liquid manure is generally seen as the 'fifth crop'. At the same time, there is the limitation in placement space due to the phasing out of derogation and the designated NV areas. This means that the placement space for manure may already be largely filled in the spring, which means there is less space for spreading liquid manure later this year. However, this is seen as a concern for later, given the high manure supply now.
Long-term trend
Based on the long-term average, the spring decrease in manure prices will continue for a few more weeks. This means that there is limited room for a further decrease in manure prices. Especially because arable farmers often seem unwilling to make concessions in the amounts to be paid and that is decisive for how much room there is for the downward stretch.