Straw is running out and first hay comes on the market

The first cut of grass is almost everywhere in the silage and livestock farmers who have silaged around Ascension Day are gradually starting the second cut. So far the yields of the grass have been generally good. There does not seem to be a shortage of silage grass on most farms this season.

little demand
Due to the good grass yields, there is little demand for grass silage. The price of silage grass is under pressure, traders agree. The DCA Indication Price has fallen further this week to €60 per tonne, but with the caveat that there is very little trading at the moment.

First new hay on the market
Pasture hay from the new harvest is gradually becoming available. Last week some hay was harvested here and there. The locally fierce showers at the end of last week and last weekend have thrown a spanner in the works. Stocks of last year's hay are as good as gone at most traders. Due to the limited supply, meadow hay remains at a good price at €210 per ton. There is hardly any trade in grass seed hay. Here too, the stocks are largely exhausted. The DCA Indication Price remains at €150 per tonne, but also here with the remark that there is little trade.

By-products hold up
Demand for by-products remains reasonably good. Protein concentrates are expensive and livestock farmers are looking for an alternative in by-products to keep feed costs under control. There is still a considerable demand for brewer's grains. The DCA Indication Price for brewer's grains therefore remains the same as last week at €2,65 per percent dry matter.

Feed potatoes are, just like in the past weeks, not easy to get. Traders do do something, but it is often limited to one or a few loads. The DCA Indication Price remains at €42,50 per tonne.

Cutting maize remains at the price
Maize silage is not much traded at the moment. There is some demand, but maize silages with good content are not offered much and therefore remain very affordable. That in turn makes customers hesitant. The DCA Indication Price remains at €70 per tonne.

There is little trade in straw, mainly because the supply is limited. Due to the late first cut of grass in many regions, there is also less demand for structured products in the ration, according to some insiders. Nevertheless, the question has certainly not disappeared. Straw remains in reasonable demand, not only from agriculture but also from riding schools. The DCA Indication Price for wheat straw remains the same as last week at €155 per tonne. Barley straw has become €5 more expensive. This brings the DCA Indication Price to €155 per tonne, equivalent to wheat straw.