Livestock and feed prices affect dairy farms

The Netherlands collected a little more milk again in March. Although more liters arrived at the factories, the levels were somewhat lower. Something that can more or less be translated back to the peace and quiet on the feed market. This does not alter the fact that suppliers of supplementary feed still report good demand for brewer's spent grain, wheat yeast concentrate and Robisco pallets. Only the prices of the latter product are under some pressure due to cheaper wheat.

Lower prices for commodities
It is therefore the larger commissions that record the lower prices. For example, lower prices are dictated for wheat, soybeans and grain corn. Rapeseed meal actually commands a slightly higher price. The fact that prices for soy meal in the Netherlands are rising slightly is probably because the larger stocks of soy have already been reflected in the prices.   

Due to the lower prices for raw materials, concentrate prices are also entering calmer waters. Locally, feed prices are mainly stable. Demand for silage maize is sparse and mainly comes from the south of the country. The prices are between 55 and 62 euros per tonne, free of charge. 

The spread in demand for silage grass is even greater. Locally, revivals are being seen here and there. Pricing depends entirely on quality. On average, the price is 1,60 euros per percent of dry matter.

Price dip in English Raai 
The only product that has become significantly cheaper: Engels Raai. The price drops to 110 euros per tonne, free of charge. This is due to less demand. This does not apply to the other types of grass seed, because Roodzwenk writes a price of 140 euros per ton, free of charge. The trade in meadow hay remains limited. 

Straw makes for a more interesting story. Although prices are mainly stable, there appear to be some concerns about the new harvest in France. It is so dry there that drivers encounter fields that are being irrigated. The next 4 weeks will determine how the development of the wheat will proceed. For wheat straw, the price starts at 105 to 110 euros per tonne. The same pricing applies to barley. For now the price is stable, but if the dry weather in France continues, rising prices must be taken into account. All in all, stable to lower prices for concentrates and stable prices for roughage.

Now it is the growing season. It is still early in the season, but the grass is already growing well in most places. The main question is whether the weather will soon allow a smooth first cut. At the same time, the grass stocks are described as ample, thanks to the 2016 growing season. So there is hardly any pressure from that angle. Only in the south is the situation slightly different due to water damage last season.

Prices of sausage cows are rising
What helps is that the 2017 Phosphate Reduction Regulation means there are steadily fewer beaks available to feed. It number of slaughters remains high week after week and prices of sausage cows are rising. For example, Bunnik notes a plus of 0,05 to 0,10 euros per kg. You pay 4,75 euros at the top compared to 2,25 euros at the bottom for cows P. Sausage cows also record pluses. The first quality goes to 1,90 to 2,25 euros, against 1,60 to 1,90 euros for the second quality.   

The higher prices for sausage and slaughter cows can support selection on dairy farms. Better to get your money's worth than a fine, especially when feed prices do not drop immediately. A new FrieslandCampina milk price will be announced on Monday, April 24. An increase is not immediately realistic, given that the peak of milk supply is approaching, but the dairy farmer has amazed the market before. A higher milk price means that more attention will be paid to ways to maintain milk production with as few livestock as possible. 

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