Frost stops the start of the growing season

After the 'Russian bear' The Netherlands will again have to deal with a period of frost in mid-March. Whether it will stay that way remains to be seen. This is because in the run-up to Easter there is talk of lower temperatures. It means spring is still a long way off. Grass growth simply requires a higher soil temperature, and spreading manure a soil where the slurry injector can enter.

The growing season starts a little later than in previous years. However, it does look like the first cut will be towards the end of April (instead of the beginning of April). However, it does not yet result in more demand on the feed market. This is due to less livestock, in combination with an abundant supply of feed.

Sellers keep price high
Maize for silage still sells at €55 to €60 per tonne free from farm. This price is mainly kept under control by reticence on the part of sellers. The trade in silage grass is more difficult to interpret; for example, the supply is not a problem, but the willingness to buy is slightly less. The price moves at €1 to €1,35 per percent dry matter, free-of-farm. The higher price is mainly due to the better quality, which is intended for goat farmers.

There is competition from potato products. The prices for the feed potatoes are stable and are €22,50 to €27 per ton. The price for potato press fibers increases by €2 to €29,90 per tonne. The purchase of potato products gives dairy farmers the opportunity to use the grass optimally.

There is less demand for brewer's grains. In addition, breweries make more beer and, as a result, also have more beer grains left over. The price drops to €2,10 to €2,30 per percent dry matter. 

Structural products tight
The supply of wheat straw is much tighter. The price stabilizes at €145 per tonne franco farm, but due to the constant demand and lack of supply, a next increase is not far away. Barley straw is sold at a comparable price, but is more readily available. Sounds from the market indicate that more and more straw is coming from Spain.

Livestock farmers are not immediately inclined to use alternatives. This means that the price of perennial ryegrass remains at €125 to €135 per tonne free on farm. Meadow Hay knows how to find the way up. At the moment, the average price remains at €185 per tonne franco-farm, but there are higher prices. This is mainly due to a miscalculation. It was thought that there was sufficient stock, but it seems that these stocks are disappointing.

With more and more suppliers of structural products, the regular customers are served first. Which, especially when it comes to straw, proves to be a challenge. Due to the developments in the feed market, it pays to pay close attention when using the products.The price increase of meadow hay comes as a surprise.