Much has already been written about the political outcome of the manure policy in the Netherlands. It is generally agreed that this has had a negative overall result. As in recent weeks, this hasn't led to any dramatic changes in the manure market. However, the prices of replacement processing agreements (VVOs) have risen.
Several manure intermediaries have concluded that the leeway in manure prices for this year is simply gone. This week, DCA manure prices will therefore remain the same as last week. Intermediaries are mainly noticing that things are quieter towards the end of the year in the south of the country. In the east, and especially in the north, the supply of cattle liquid manure remains high.
Milk price influences manure prices
Last week it was announced that Boerenbusiness already paid extensive attention to the falling milk priceIn December, milk prices fell to just above €40 per 100 kilos, while a recovery is not yet likely. Manure intermediaries expect that the falling milk price will not encourage livestock farmers to continue selling manure at current rates in 2026. It will therefore remain a matter of waiting to see how the manure market develops towards the spreading season, according to market participants. Rumors are already circulating about the weather conditions leading up to the start of the spreading season, which will ultimately influence the development of the manure market during that period. Arable farmers will also be more interested in developments in the manure market starting in the new year. With prices for various arable crops under pressure, they are logically trying to achieve additional revenue by receiving manure. All in all, these are the factors that could cause some market activity towards the beginning of 2026.
VVOs are picking up again
In the trade of replacement processing agreements (DCAs), prices fluctuate almost daily at this time of year, according to a manure intermediary. While last week the DCA quotation for DCAs was at its lowest point in years, the price has risen by €0,05 to €0,55 per kilo this week. Although the increase is still limited, intermediaries report considerable activity. The supply of DCAs decreased significantly at the beginning of this week, causing prices to rise sharply in some areas. At the same time, trading continues, as many livestock farmers expected the downward trend to continue and prices to drop even further. It is currently expected that the price could also rise slightly between Christmas and New Year's Eve.