Many dairy farmers wait to buy roughage until the new crops become available, is the view of various forage traders. This means, among other things, that the price of straw is under pressure.
The demand for straw from the old harvest (both wheat and barley straw) is increasing less and less, while supply is actually increasing. It is not surprising that there is little demand, given that the new harvest is expected in 2 to 3 weeks. Several traders say that dairy farmers are waiting for this before they purchase straw.
The above means that the price of old straw is under pressure and will show a small decline this week. The price drops by €4,50 to €128 per tonne, free of charge. This price is expected to remain virtually stable for the next 2 to 3 weeks, after which a decline is expected. This corresponds to the image that last year could be seen, because when the new harvest arrived the price dropped to €115 per ton, free at the farm.
In addition, some forage traders say they are busy with the arrival of new hay. However, nothing can be said yet about price, quality and quantities. On the other hand, this movement does cause the price of meadow hay takes a step down and ends up at €200 per tonne free at farm (-€10). If we look at the graph below, we can see that this has also been the case in recent years.
Lots of stability
There is also less trade in silage maize, as many dairy farmers focus on (silage) grass and hay. However, this seems to have little effect on the price, as good quality is still sold for more than €70 per tonne, free of charge. This means that the average price remains stable this week at €67 per tonne, free of charge. The price for spent grain also remains stable and is €2,15 per percent dry matter.
The trade in perennial ryegrass continues well, but that does not move the price. The price remains at €150 per tonne, free of charge. There is also a bit more trade in silage, but this does not yet result in a higher price. This therefore remains stable at €50 per tonne, free of charge. The price for red fescue remains at €180 per tonne free from farm, the price of meadow meadow at €155 per tonne free from farm and the price of tall fescue at €170 per tonne free from farm.