The roughage market remains stable. Although there is not much trade, the traders indicate that the trade is going well. Due to the higher prices, livestock farmers generally buy smaller quantities. In addition, many livestock farmers hope that the grass will really start to grow soon.
There is a reasonably good demand for high-quality silage, but the supply is very diverse. Today, prices of €75 per tonne or higher are quoted for the top end of the market. The DCA indicative price remains the same as last week and is therefore €70 per tonne delivered to the farmer. That means good quality. Mediocre quality is easily €10 cheaper.
The trade in silage maize is largely comparable to last week. It is not busy, but according to several traders, some loads are being handled. The price remains at €70 per tonne.
By-products are sought
When it comes to rations, many livestock farmers are increasingly switching from traditional corn, silage and chunks to supplementing with single (by) products. High chunk prices accelerate that trend. Forage traders see a lot of demand for potato steam peels, potato press fibres, wheat and brewers' grains. This allows feed costs to be reduced (compared to the exclusive use of compound feed), without sacrificing quality. The price of spent grain remains this week (after last week's price reduction) at €2,70 per percent dry matter.
Feed potatoes remain difficult to obtain. Potato processors pay prices that are well above feed levels. Many arable farmers therefore offer little or no potatoes for feed (unlike last year). The price of feed potatoes has dropped slightly to €42,50 per tonne.
Straw remains the same
The price of wheat straw remains at €145 per tonne. Barley straw costs on average about €140 per tonne, although there are traders who maintain the same price for wheat and barley straw. According to most traders, there is not much supply.
There is not much trade in grass seed hay at the moment. Prices therefore remain stable at €150 per tonne. For most traders, there are little or no price differences between the varieties. Meadow hay remains in relatively high demand at this time of year. Supplies are dwindling rapidly, but the price remains the same as last week with an average of €200 per tonne.