A mouse infestation has destroyed 150.000 hectares of grassland near our German eastern neighbours, in the state of Lower Saxony. What are the consequences, and what is the situation on the Dutch feed market?
The mild winter and dry summers of recent years have allowed the field mouse to reproduce well. As a result, large areas of grassland have now been destroyed. The state of Lower Saxony reports that around 150.000 hectares of grassland has been damaged. Practically no grass can be harvested on these areas anymore.
A tragedy for livestock farmers, as supplies were already scarce due to disappointing yields in previous years. Surveys show that some farmers are considering culling cows. These are mainly livestock farmers who do not grow corn themselves. Advisors are calling on livestock farmers to reseed the affected plots, but that is quite expensive.
Due to the impending shortage, hay and straw prices in Lower Saxony are on the rise. It is still too early to speak of a roughage shortage in Northwestern Europe. However, the situation in Germany is something to keep in mind.
A little more movement in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands it is quiet on the feed market. At the same time there is some movement. The silage price will rise this week from €10 to €60 per tonne (free of charge). According to traders, there is slightly more demand, which is causing the price change. The increase is a result of tight supplies in some places and fears of a late spring. Straw prices in the Netherlands vary, depending on quality and region, between €95 and €105 per tonne, delivered to the farm.
The price of beer brush will drop this week by €0,05 to €2,75 per percent dry matter. The price drop is due to a small increase in supply, while demand is not yet really picking up. A minimal difference that probably not every region will experience. Due to transport costs, the price remains somewhat higher in the north than in the south of the country. It is a periodic phenomenon that the price of beer brush starts to decline as spring approaches. This is because the breweries will then produce more.
€75 per tonne is paid for good quality corn. The prices of perennial rye, red fescue, tall fescue and field beam have been at the same price level of €110, €150, €130 and €135 per tonne respectively for weeks. The feed potatoes recorded a small price increase from €36 to an average of €40. The supply is still tight.