The trade in roughage is still not really getting going. The spring weather of the past few days does not help. It is difficult for some farmers to estimate whether they have enough feed until the start of the grazing season. It is therefore preferable to wait and see in the hope that the grass will grow quickly.
According to most forage traders, the supply is limited. There is currently a good demand for roughage and despite the relatively high prices, traders know how to find buyers. The mood has been described as calm, with slightly more demand than supply. However, a turnaround on the feed market is only expected when the start of the grazing season is in sight.
Straw is becoming more expensive
The price of wheat straw takes a step upwards and therefore amounts to €145 per tonne. However, the supply is starting to become tight. Less straw was harvested last season and this is now having an impact on the roughage market. There is still some straw in storage in the Netherlands, but a lot of wheat straw is also brought from abroad. Germany and France are the main suppliers. Prices there are also at a high level and transport obviously makes it more expensive.
The quotation for grass silage remains unchanged this week at €70 per tonne. The supply of good quality silage remains limited, although there is demand for it. There are also major differences between the regions. In the north of the country, livestock farmers generally have sufficient silage, while in the east and south there are farmers whose supplies are meager. The variation in the quality of the pits is large. Lower quality grass often costs tens of thousands less.
Trade in silage maize is starting to pick up
The picture of the trade in silage maize is very variable. One trader has a lot of business at the moment, while the other is still bubbling along. The price therefore remains unchanged this week at €70 per tonne.
The DCA indicative price of spent grains also remains unchanged this week. The average price is €2,90 per percent dry matter. Demand remains good and there are currently only limited by-products available.
Feed potatoes cost €40 per tonne this week. As in previous weeks, there is little supply. Grass seed hay is trading at €140 per tonne this week. Currently, mainly perennial ryegrass is traded. The quotation of meadow hay remains stable at €195 per tonne. Here too there is not much supply of good quality product.