The roughage trade is running quite smoothly at the moment, according to various forage traders. The demand for feed is there, so there is no need to search for customers. By-products in particular easily find a buyer.
The relatively high - and still rising - grain prices continue to have an impact on the feed market. This is most immediately noticeable in pellet prices, but because livestock farmers are looking for more affordable alternatives to concentrates, the effect is also seeping into other segments of the feed market. This is especially noticeable in the good demand for by-products, resulting in rising prices.
By-products remain worth purchasing
Even though products such as steam peels, pressed fiber or spent grain are relatively expensive, they remain competitive. Demand therefore remains as good as ever. Several traders indicate that they can spend more than what is currently available. The DCA Indicative Price of spent grain has increased this week by €0,10 to €3,10 per percent dry matter.
The supply of feed potatoes remains limited. The processing industry is moving along and, according to several traders, is looking less critically at the quality of the potatoes. This is in contrast to a year with a lot of supply. The DCA Indicative Price for feed potatoes remains at €45 per tonne.
Variation in straw quality
The demand for straw remains reasonable to good. Only the quality of the straw available varies considerably. Some of the straw is gray and short. Not all customers want that. Customers who buy straw to add to their rations or as bedding for goats are particularly picky. Part of that demand is met with Spanish straw. Transport costs from Spain have risen in recent weeks as transport companies can get more lucrative returns than straw. This is reflected in the straw prices. The DCA Indicative Price for both wheat and barley straw is €130 per tonne. That is €5 higher than last week.
The trade in grass seed hay is showing signs of improvement, according to some forage traders. There is little supply of good Dutch grass seed hay. That is why the necessary grass seed hay comes from Denmark. The DCA Indication Price remains stable and ranges from €130 per tonne for perennial rye, €140 per tonne for meadow meadow and tall fescue to €150 per tonne for red fescue. Supply and demand for meadow hay remain in good balance. It is not busy, but most traders have several loads every week. The DCA Indicative Price is €180 per tonne.
There is demand, but not much trade in silage
Silage grass is not widely traded, but that does not mean there is no demand. There are buyers, especially in the south of the country. The supply of good silage grass is simply not available. This is partly because livestock farmers are very careful when offering food, but according to several traders it is also a factor that the nutritional value in the silage is not always top-notch.
There is hardly any trade in silage maize. There is virtually no supply of maize on stem or behind the chopper anymore and it is still too early for supply from the pit. To the extent that trade takes place, it concerns small parties. Often to bridge a few weeks until the new hole has been preserved. The DCA Indication Price for silage maize is €70 per tonne.