Inside Enter
Roughage trade is starting to run a bit more difficult
There is little change in the roughage market. Several forage traders report that it is not busy at the moment. Little supply, high prices and a moderate liquid position at many livestock farmers characterize the market. That makes livestock farmers wait and see and trade is not easier. Some work is being done, but not much. Not unusual for this time of year.
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The cold spring means that the grass doesn't really start growing until late. Partly because of this, the limited supply of roughage will not change quickly for the time being. New grass harvests may take a few weeks to arrive. Major price changes are therefore not expected in the short term.
Quality is paid for
Good quality silage remains in demand. There is also a supply, but the quality of the silage offered varies greatly. Good silage grass is not widely available according to most traders. Wetter potholes are widely available. Beautiful silage grass remains expensive and costs an average of €70 per tonne.
There is little supply and little demand for silage maize. Occasionally some batches are made, but it is by no means busy according to several traders. The price remains the same as last week at €70 per tonne.
Additional demand for structure
Some forage traders notice that livestock farmers are now looking for some extra structured feed. This is to maintain rumen function during a ration with horny spring grass. There is therefore reasonable demand for straw at the moment, but the supply remains limited. Straw is still available, especially in Denmark. According to several traders, the supply in Germany and France is less than in other years. The price of straw remains stable at €145 per tonne for wheat straw and €140 for barley straw.
Grass seed hay is not widely available at the moment. The price remains stable this week at €150 per tonne. Where in other years English sage is somewhat cheaper, this year there is no price difference between different varieties at most traders. There is not much trade in meadow hay at the moment. According to most traders, there is still demand, but the supply of good hay is drying up quickly. Prices for good hay remain the same as last week with an average of €200 per tonne.
the supply of feed potatoes remains tight. Although some traders do feel that there is a little more on the market than there was a few weeks ago. The average price is €42,50 per tonne. Brewer's spent grain also remains stable at €2,70 per percent dry matter.