Good demand by-products and waiting for new straw

The demand for silage maize remains fairly stable. It is not busy yet, according to various forage traders, but there is something happening, although some weeks more than others. The DCA Indicative Price remains the same as last week at €70 per tonne.

No new straw yet
In the straw trade it is mainly a matter of waiting for the new harvest. In France they have now started threshing winter barley, but due to showers little progress is being made. New straw is therefore hardly available on the Dutch market. However, many livestock farmers who still have straw are waiting for the new harvest. Prices for wheat and barley straw from the old harvest remain the same as last week at around €150 to €160 per tonne.

Missed a beat
There is little demand for silage grass. Potholes from last year are still offered, but it is difficult to find a buyer for them. The suppliers missed the trick, because about 3 to 4 months ago there was still good demand for silage.

There is little demand for riding pits this season at the moment. Many livestock farmers have brought in sufficient grass silage themselves. The DCA Indicative Price remains at €60 per tonne, but several traders indicate that it is difficult to give an exact price due to the limited demand. "It's mainly what the fool gives for it."

Years with a lot of grass are usually accompanied by bad hay weather. That wisdom also applies this year. A fair amount of hay was extracted around mid-June, but since then there has not actually been a period of steady weather. As a result, there is little hay available on the market, even though there is sufficient grass. The DCA Indicative Price remains at €180 per tonne.

Market in balance
Supply and demand of by-products remain well balanced. Partly due to the high pellet prices, livestock farmers are looking for cheaper alternatives. The DCA Indicative Price for spent grain is €2,65 per percent dry matter. Feed potatoes remain difficult to obtain. Prices quoted are around €42,50 per tonne if available.

There is virtually no demand for grass seed hay anymore. According to traders, livestock farmers who want extra rumen injection in their ration are currently choosing other products. The remaining demand for grass seed hay mainly comes from horse farming. The DCA Indication Price remains at €150 per tonne, but just like last week with the comment: very little trade.