The feed market is moving again

Various forage traders report that there is more demand from dairy farmers in particular; they ask for meadow hay and brewers' grains and that is also reflected in the price. However, things are not going very well yet, because many expect prices to drop. However, according to several traders, this will not be the case (yet) in the near future.

Visible increase for straw price
After weeks of stable prices, the price is lower straw see an increase again this week, bringing it to €140 per tonne, free of charge. This is mainly due to the fact that the French want to keep the price high. When straw is sourced from the United Kingdom or Germany (and the transport distance is therefore limited), the price quickly drops to €135 per tonne, free of charge.

The price of spent grain has fallen sharply in recent weeks, but this has now turned into an increase again. The price this week is €2,70 per percent dry matter. According to forage traders, this is mainly due to a smaller supply, while demand has remained the same.

Once again high prices for meadow hay
The price of meadow hay has been rising for weeks far above the average of recent years. This week the price has also taken another step upwards, bringing it to €230 per tonne, free of charge. The traders report that the price will remain above the limit of €200 per tonne free for the time being, because supply and demand are not in balance; there is currently more demand than supply.

It appears that quality is very important to buyers this year. This means that dairy farmers, among others, are willing to pay more. Very good quality meadow hay even sells for prices of €250 to €270 per tonne, free of charge.

Increase for perennial ryegrass
In addition, the price of perennial ryegrass has also shown a significant increase. The price this week amounts to €165 per tonne, free of charge. Quality is also very important here; the better the quality, the more the livestock farmer is willing to pay.

The forage traders also indicate that the market for silage is very difficult to estimate, partly because there is little trade. The price remains at €50 per tonne free at the farm. This is mainly due to the fact that the quality is disappointing this year, causing dairy farmers to purchase other products.

Red and tall fescue available again
Red fescue and tall fescue are also available again, albeit sparingly, although traders indicate that there is not yet much demand for them. This is because the prices are very high (€175 per tonne, free of charge). Field meadow is not yet available.

There is no trade in feed potatoes yet, but glass potatoes are available. An average of €30 to €35 per tonne is paid for this, free of charge. There is also trade in pressed pulp and potato press fibers here and there; this concerns an amount of €1,85 per percent of dry matter. There is no longer any trade in silage maize.