Calm trade ensures stable prices

Although it was relatively quiet last week the feed market, the straw trade is showing the first small hairline cracks. Various traders report that there is less demand for straw, because livestock farmers know that there is little supply. This means that the price for the product remains high, and it means that dairy farmers are cautious about purchasing straw. The price remains stable for now at €160 per tonne, free of charge. 

Beer spent grain as a substitute for soy
The trade in brewer's grain is continuing well, partly because it is a good substitute for the increasingly expensive soy. However, the price still has to compromise slightly, which is partly due to the large supply. The price is €2 per percent dry matter. Several traders report that the trend is downward rather than upward. 

According to traders, there are few good quantities of silage available, which means that there is little demand for the product. The price remains stable at €50 per tonne free at the farm. In addition, there are reports that livestock farmers, when they have a shortage, are more likely to buy this product from their neighbors rather than buying a new batch through a trader.

(Text continues below the chart)The price for soy is rising, causing livestock farmers to choose spent grain as an alternative.

Demand for silage maize is increasing slightly
If we look at the trade in silage maize, it is mainly described as fluctuating. Demand increased slightly last week, which also allowed the price to rise again. This therefore ends up being the old level from €55 per tonne free at farm. However, it is not expected that the price will take major steps up anytime soon.

Last week it became apparent that meadow hay is becoming scarcer. It also means that there is less and less trade in this product. This ensures that the price remains at €190 per tonne, free of charge. There is also little trade in perennial ryegrass, which means that here too the price remains stable at €130 per tonne, delivered to the farm.

Feed potatoes still under pressure
The trade in feed potatoes is still going strong under pressure. This is because the supply of potatoes is still quite large. However, there are few visible differences in supply and demand, so the price remains at €24 per tonne, free of charge. In some cases the price is lower and €20 per tonne is paid free of charge.

The first cut is often gone
The first cut of grass is well concealed almost everywhere. In some cases the price was slightly lower than last year, but in general everyone was able to get rid of the first cut. In addition, the response was very positive the quality of the first cut

On the other hand, it is expected that it will be a lot more difficult for the second cut. This is because there is less demand, due to the fact that there are fewer cows (a consequence of the phosphate reduction plan). The range is also estimated to be wider, compared to last year.