Dutch dairy and pig farms are seeing manure disposal costs rise again this fall. After a summer period during which manure prices remained relatively stable, cattle manure prices (regional) are rising significantly. While prices in the South of the Netherlands were still the same as those in Central Netherlands at the beginning of this year, the difference has now widened considerably. Average cattle manure prices in Central Netherlands are now almost 20% higher than in the South. In recent weeks, these have also climbed to record highs, as evidenced by the weekly DCA collection contributions.
Despite the fact that more manure was spread this year, sales fell in the last quarter Well, according to figures from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). This isn't entirely surprising, as much of the available space was filled early this year thanks to the good weather. After a period of stability in the manure market last summer, storage areas are now being filled again. Statistically, manure prices are slowly rising again towards the end of the year, which is also reflected in the weekly DCA collection contributions.
All time lap record
DCA manure prices in Central Netherlands rose this week to €34,67 per cubic meter. This is a record high. In Southern Netherlands, this is more than €5 lower, where the collection fee this week is €29,50. Earlier, it was already reported that the stop regulation for significant lighting has an effect on the manure market in the South of the Netherlands, an effect that is not the case in Central Netherlands and Friesland.
For an average-sized dairy farm in Central Netherlands (approximately 100 dairy cows and an average manure production of 25 cubic meters), this means a significant cost of over €43.000 per year, assuming that half of the manure needs to be removed.
Winter
The expected admission of Renure could eventually help reduce the manure surplus in the Netherlands. For now, the Dutch manure market is facing a difficult winter period, during which prices are likely to rise further. Intermediaries do not rule out that prices could eventually reach €40 per cubic meter in regions with large surpluses.