The astronomical spring started on Wednesday 20 March and for Campina that is traditionally the day to send the cows into the meadow. The cows have already been sent out elsewhere in the country. This has an effect on the feed market, because buying additional roughage seems to have become superfluous.
The good weather forecasts mean that (dairy) farmers are very cautious about purchasing additional roughage. This is because the grass is expected to grow quickly and may perhaps be mowed earlier than normal. "For many livestock farmers, purchasing additional roughage has become unnecessary," various forage traders report.
Limited stock
Next to the beautiful weather, the feed market is currently characterized by limited supplies. For example, there is very little trade in silage maize, which does not immediately mean that there is no product available. According to various traders, there is still enough, but only product with less than 300 grams of starch. "Many (dairy) farmers do not want that, which means there is less and less trade," is the opinion. However, the average price for good quality of this product is still €60 per tonne, free of charge.
Good quality also has limited availability for silage grass. This ensures that the price is very variable; good quality is sometimes still sold for €65 per tonne free at farm (or €1,30 per percent dry matter), while lower quality is sold for €40. In addition, forage traders say that grass rolls can still be sold for €50.
The supply of perennial ryegrass is limited, but this has no effect on the price. This is because there is little demand, which means that supply and demand are still in balance. The price for perennial ryegrass remains at €155 per tonne free at farm this week.
Meadow hay yields
Last week we wrote already that more meadow hay was brought onto the market, causing the price to drop. That trend continues this week, as the price drops by €20 to €210 per tonne, free of charge. Demand has dried up, while supply is increasing. Another factor is that many livestock farmers see grass as a replacement. The graph below shows that the price in previous years also showed a decline in this week.
Beer spent grain is also unable to escape a price drop. The price of this product has been under pressure for a long time and also fell last week. The price this week is €2,45 per percent dry matter. On the other hand, the price knows straw to remain stable, after it fell sharply 2 weeks earlier. The price remains at €135 per tonne, free of charge.
No trading
The forage traders also report that the trade in red fescue, tall fescue and meadow meadow is as good as over. There is only a little product available and prices already showed a minimal change last week. The price for red fescue amounts to €180 per tonne, tall fescue is listed at €170 per tonne and meadow meadow sells for €155 per tonne free at the farm. The price of feed potatoes has remained unchanged for weeks at €45 per ton, free of charge.