By-products and, to a somewhat lesser extent, straw, that is what most trade is in at the moment. It is on the quiet side in hay, silage and maize, various forage traders report. The regular work continues well, but there are relatively few 'in between jobs'. That's a common comment this week.
The demand for by-products and residual products remains high and exceeds the supply for most products. There are currently waiting times on many products. Some traders indicate that potato press fiber is one of the few products that can still be delivered fairly quickly. The DCA Indicative Price for spent grain remains the same at €3,10 per percent dry matter. The supply of feed potatoes also remains relatively small. The processing industry is in a good position on the market, making it difficult to obtain feed potatoes. The DCA Indicative Price remains unchanged compared to last week, at €45 per tonne.
Straw market in balance
According to traders, the straw market is fairly balanced. There is a fairly good demand for straw and what is offered quickly finds a destination. This is partly due to livestock farming, but horse farmers and bulb growers are also on the market. However, sales of bulbs are heading towards the end. The DCA Indication Price therefore remains stable at €130 per tonne for both wheat and barley straw.
There is not much trade in meadow and grass seed hay. There is demand, but it mainly comes from riding schools and private individuals and it usually does not involve large volumes. The DCA Indicative Price for meadow hay remains at €190 per tonne. For grass seed hay this ranges from €130 to €150 per tonne, depending on the variety.
Little good silage available
Good silage grass with good feed value is difficult to obtain. The demand is there, including from goat farming, but there is little good grass on offer. There is a wider supply of silage grass of slightly lower quality, but there is hardly any demand for it. The DCA Indicative Price for silage remains the same as last week at €65 per tonne.
The trade in silage maize is quiet, according to several forage traders. That in itself is normal for this time of year. Regular customers who always buy smaller quantities throughout the year still do so, but not much else happens. The DCA Indicative Price is €70 per tonne.