The feed market seems to be suffering from a yo-yo effect. While there was more demand last week and prices seemed to be rising, the market is stable again this week. Does this have an obvious cause?
Compared to last week, little has changed the feed market. The forage traders report that there is demand here and there, but that this only results in limited trade. According to them, this is mainly due to the fact that there are fewer cows as a result of the phosphate reduction plan.
In addition, traders report that not every livestock farmer has sufficient liquid assets available. This means, among other things, that livestock farmers are cautious about purchasing feed; After all, they can only spend their money once and therefore wait for lower prices. Yet this is striking, because traders indicate that the price will rise rather than fall. Although that cannot be seen again this week (yet).
Straw prices are under pressure
The price for straw (both wheat and barley straw) remains stable this week at €145 per tonne free at the farm. However, the price is under considerable pressure. French livestock farmers are faced with a threat roughage shortage, causing sellers to significantly increase their prices. When things calm down in France, it is expected that the price will also have more freedom of movement here.
There was last week too more question to meadow hay, which increased the price to €245 per tonne, free of charge. This week the quotation remains stable, so the same price is on the boards. It is said that it is still difficult to find good quality meadow hay. The price for spent grains also remains stable this week and is €2,75 per percent dry matter.
Inquire about silage maize
On the other hand, there is more information about silage maize. According to the forage traders, stocks are starting to run out at some companies, which means that additional purchases will probably have to be made soon. However, this has not yet had any effect on the price, which remains at €65 per tonne, free of charge.
The price for perennial ryegrass also remains unchanged there and quotes €160 per tonne free at farm. There is little trade in the product. The same applies to silage grass. There was a lot more demand for this last week, but this week the mood seems to have changed again. The price therefore remains stable at €60 per tonne, free of charge.
Predictions cannot be made
There is little trade in tall fescue, red fescue and meadow meadow. The prices for the products once again remain at €170, €170 and €155 per tonne, free of charge. In addition, the price for feed potatoes remains stable at €45 per ton, delivered to the farm.
It was expected that trade would take more shape in recent weeks, but nothing could be further from the truth. Forage traders report that it is therefore difficult to make a prediction. "The market is very unpredictable this year and everyone is eagerly awaiting clarity about spring," is the general opinion. It is also reported that it appears that there will be more regional trading this year.