Inside Feed

Feed prices are rising fast due to drought

24 July 2018 - Kimberly Bakker

The longer the drought lasts, the faster the prices for feed rise. The trade has completely turned around in 2 weeks. Where there were no buyers then, there are now buyers in abundance. This is because the feed stock at the livestock farmers is now starting to run out very quickly.

Would you like to continue reading this article?

Become a subscriber and get instant access

Choose the subscription that suits you
Do you have a tip, suggestion or comment regarding this article? Let us know

The price for silage maize rose last week the highest point in 3 years. However, that record will be broken again this week, as the price has risen to €70 per tonne, free of charge. Traders indicate that this is average quality, because even more is paid for really good quality.

A number of traders even say that prices are rising day by day (so it is really a snapshot at the moment) and that prices of around €80 per tonne, free of charge, are expected for next week, provided it remains dry. 

Meadow hay in demand again
Meadow hay also proved to be more popular with livestock farmers last week. While the price has remained stuck at around €165 per tonne free of charge in recent weeks, it is now rising to €180 per tonne free of charge. Traders do report that it is a difficult market, because many sellers still want to hold on to the product. 

In addition, the market for perennial ryegrass has also turned 180 degrees. There was hardly any demand for this product in recent weeks, but that is different this week. The price rises to €130 per tonne free at the farm. Various traders say that the yield is normal, but that the quality is much better (compared to previous years).

(Text continues below the chart)The price of silage maize continues to rise after being fairly stable for a long time.

The price of spent grains has also shown a significant increase. While the price was around €2 per percent dry matter in recent weeks, it is now rising to €2,40 per percent dry matter. Here too, it is expected that this will not be the highlight for the time being.

Straw price records small increase
Straw prices (both barley and wheat straw) show a minimal increase. The price is €120 per tonne, free of charge. According to various traders, supply and demand are in good balance. However, they do indicate that the price will still increase in the near future, when it remains dry can increase considerably.

Yet the straw market is already facing a problem: transport capacity. Supply and demand may be well balanced, but transport capacity and demand are not. Normally the straw harvest only starts a few weeks later than is currently the case, which is why many drivers are currently still on holiday. Various traders have announced that they cannot handle it, which is putting pressure on the price.

(Text continues below the chart)The price of meadow hay is on its way to the level at which the old harvest ended.

In addition, the price of silage grass does not show a major change, but there is clearly more demand for the product. This week the price remains at €50 per tonne, free of charge, for the very good lots. The batches of lower quality record slightly lower prices.

Feed potatoes are now really sold out
trade in feed potatoes is no longer available and many forage traders indicate that the product is sold out. Where there is still some left, a price of €40 per tonne is quoted, free of charge. Red fescue, tall fescue and field fescue are also minimally available and are quoted at €140, €135 and €155 per tonne free of charge respectively.

Call our customer service +0320(269)528

or mail to support@boerenbusiness.nl

do you want to follow us?

Receive our free Newsletter

Current market information in your inbox every day

Sign up