The price differences on the feed market between the Northern and Southern Netherlands are increasing. Last weekend there was hardly any rain in the south of the Netherlands, while other regions drained up to 20 millimeters. A crucial phase is approaching for the maize harvest.
This means that the traditional differences in feed supplies between the North and South of the Netherlands are continuing to grow. In the South of the Netherlands, a total of not much more than 20 millimeters of rain has fallen this month. There, the rapidly growing dairy farms with little land must, just like last year, look forward to replenishing the roughage supply.
The third cut of grass will come up to a month later than normal, unless significant rain falls this week. This could happen especially on Wednesday and Saturday, according to the weather forecast. The subtropical summer will probably resume next week. The month of June was record warm and will almost certainly end with an average daily temperature of more than 18 degrees Celsius in De Bilt; never measured before.
Straw prices are weakening
The almost subtropical weather means that the barley harvest and the threshing of grass seed hay have already started. €90 is paid per tonne of straw in the Northern Netherlands (ex-land). In the South of the Netherlands, new straw costs 5 euros more per tonne. Franco farm, there are €7,50 transport costs per tonne. The price is showing a downward trend, even though the drought in northern France is putting pressure on harvest expectations for grain straw. Last year the opposite was the case. Then the wetness had a driving effect on the price of straw.
In the southwest of the Netherlands, the first grass seed hay is also ready to be transported. The grass seed hay trade has much less significance than it used to. Grass seed hay as a source of structure has had competition from straw, although its nutritional value is even lower. The quality of grass seed hay from the southwest of the Netherlands is much better this year than last year, thanks to the beautiful summer. But the yields in kilos are sometimes disappointing. In Denmark, harvest expectations for grass seed hay are good.
Crucial phase for corn has begun
Provided there is significant rain this week, the silage maize harvest is heading for very high yields. The crucial phase of flowering is approaching. Water is needed right now. Without water, there is a risk of crop failure on parched sandy soil in the south and east. The critical phase has already been approached in Belgium. This part of Western Europe is hardest hit by drought. In Germany, the drought problem is much less of an issue, while the Danube Delta along the Black Sea is affected by water damage due to downpours.
Impeccable silage maize stock from 2016 is hardly available anymore, because the nutritional value is rapidly decreasing. The starch content has fallen sharply, especially in May and June, reports the Eurofins Agro laboratory. The best lots have been traded anyway. Lots are offered on marktplaats.nl for €50 per tonne. Above a price of €60 to 65 per ton, buyers will look for alternatives in the form of concentrates and/or by-products.