The situation on the Dutch manure market remains relatively stable, as in recent weeks. In several regions, the high supply of cattle manure, in particular, has not diminished. Nevertheless, the leeway in manure prices appears to be running out, at least until the end of the year. A completely different story is unfolding on the market for replacement processing agreements (VVOs), where prices have fluctuated considerably recently.
Currently, DCA manure prices are at a stable high level. Historically, manure prices peak at the end of each year, although this doesn't apply to all sales areas in the Netherlands this year. Compared to the same period last year, there are still significant differences.
The impact of the buyout scheme, which bought out several dairy and pig farmers, particularly in the southern Netherlands, is clearly reflected in last year's DCA collection contributions. For example, a pig farmer in the southern Netherlands currently pays an average of €32,83 to dispose of their manure, compared to €37,67 last year. For cattle farmers in the same region, the average amount is now €30,17, compared to €33,67 last year.
Relocation of surplus areas?
A recurring theme throughout the year is that the supply of manure in the Central Netherlands region has been quite depressing. Collection fees for pig manure in Central Netherlands are currently €36,33, not significantly higher than the €36 in the same period last year. The dire situation is only truly evident with cattle manure, according to various intermediaries. The collection fee in Central Netherlands now averages €35,83, compared to €34,17 last year.
Trade in VVOs has completely collapsed
As New Year's Eve approaches, trading in Substitute Processing Agreements (DCAs) is picking up again. The DCA price fell further this week to €0,70 per kilo, a decrease of €0,15 compared to last week. December is particularly busy with trading and speculation in DCAs, which keeps prices relatively stable throughout the year, with major changes only occurring in the final month.
The level of the processing obligation depends on the region where a livestock farmer is located. As in previous years, the percentage is 59% in the southern region, 52% in the eastern region, and 10% in the rest of the country. This difference largely explains the current market situation. In the south, the manure processing rate is relatively high, while the manure surplus is currently concentrated above the rivers, where only about 10% of the surplus is processed.
At the same time, increased manure exports are playing a significant role. In the first nine months of 2025, the Netherlands exported nearly 2,74 million tons of animal manure, containing approximately 31,4 million kilos of nitrogen and 28,7 million kilos of phosphate, 27,7% and 20,5% more, respectively, than in the same period last year. The increased exports therefore contributed to the sale of manure outside the Netherlands and thus alleviated the domestic processing market.
Livestock farmers have until New Year's Eve to get their 2025 manure accounting in order. It's expected that, as in previous years, trading will only really get underway from mid-December onwards. However, insiders indicate that it's questionable whether farmers are wise to wait so long for market developments. Prices are currently low, and it remains to be seen whether this will remain the case towards the end of the year.