Trading on the feed market continues smoothly. The demand for hay and straw is good, but not excessive. The demand for protein-rich feed is an exception and remains high. Due to the high soy prices, livestock farmers are looking for cheaper alternatives. These are only available to a limited extent.
The feed market has been floating in calm waters for some time now. This week, trading seems to be going a bit more smoothly, although things are not going very well. Despite the relatively high price, spent grain remains popular and has limited availability. The DCA quotation remains unchanged at €2,90 per percent dry matter.
The supply of feed potatoes is also very limited, because chip factories are actively returning to the farm. Several traders report receiving demand for protein-rich products, but say that there is little supply of, for example, potato press fibers or peels.
Quality is scarce
Good meadow hay is currently in high demand, while there is only a limited supply. For good quality meadow hay, prices are reported from €220 per tonne and more. Lower quality hay is significantly cheaper. With an average price of €200 per tonne, the price is above last year's level and also above the five-year average.
Good demand for silage maize
Cutting maize is also currently being traded well, although traders are testing that demand is slightly higher than supply. However, a price increase is not in the offing this week and the quotation remains stable at €70 per tonne.
There is not much trade in silage at the moment and the DCA quotation remains at €65 per tonne, but here too the following applies: good quality is only available to a limited extent. The prices of the different types of grass seed hay have converged this week and amount to €150 per tonne. There is relatively little supply and buyers prefer a less strong variety, the price being the main factor.