Prices for pig and cattle manure are falling. This isn't the case everywhere, but the general trend is downward.
Some fertilizer distributors are waiting to see what happens. Others are leading the way in lowering prices. Several factors determine how the fertilizer distributor fares in the market. Supply, demand, and transportation costs all play a role.
And some companies have ample supply, while others are primarily dealing with livestock farmers who prefer to wait a bit longer for prices to drop. Then there's the demand side to consider. Some have high demand, while others are still quiet. Meanwhile, they do have a fleet of vehicles that they want to keep on the road as much as possible. On top of that, diesel prices are currently rising sharply, and yes, that fuel has to be paid for somehow.
Direct delivery to the field saves costs, and livestock farmers are eager to see that reflected in their bills. Application has begun, but it's not going smoothly everywhere. The soil isn't dry enough for application everywhere. But that will change soon. With this beautiful weather, it's expected that application will take place en masse in the coming week.
For pig manure, the price drop is leading in the south of the country. There, collection prices will drop by around €2 per cubic meter this week. In the central part of the country, prices are considerably higher, and manure distributors are even more hesitant to lower prices.
For cattle manure, prices are highest in the north. But prices are falling. The sharpest drop is currently seen in Leeuwarden, where prices are now down by €2 per cubic meter. Elsewhere, price reductions average around €0,50 to €1 per cubic meter. In the south, the average price is now €28,50, and in the center of the country, prices are around €7 higher.
In general, manure distributors are still trying to decide where to go with prices. Arable farmers want to receive as much as possible for the manure they receive, while livestock farmers are trying to wait as long as possible to lower their bills.
Another factor is that livestock farmers have to dispose of more manure because the derogation has expired. On the other hand, arable farmers are facing sharply rising fertilizer prices. And to make the most of the application time, they will have to find a common ground.