The roughage market starts the new year as the old one ended, namely without major outliers. The normal work continues, but most forage traders are not busy. That in itself is nothing strange for this time of year.
Although it is not overly busy, several traders indicate that trading is running smoothly. Demand is generally good and what comes onto the market quickly finds a destination. The relatively high bulk prices give various products an extra boost.
Good quality silage grass is sought after. Although sufficient silage was extracted last year, traders say it is difficult to find grass of good or very good quality even though there is a demand for it. Grass of somewhat lower quality is widely available, but there is not much demand for it. The DCA Indicative Price for silage has increased to €70 per tonne delivered to the farmer. Various traders also charge more for top quality silage.
By-products run away easily
By-products still remain in high demand. Whether it concerns spent grains, potato press fibres, rinsed carrots or feed potatoes, everything finds its way easily. On the supply side, it is a bit on the lean side at the moment due to the holidays, according to some traders. The DCA Indicative Price of spent grain remains stable at €3,10 per percent dry matter. Feed potatoes also remain the same at €45 per tonne.
There is a demand for straw, but it is not busy according to most traders. Most bulb growers have now been supplied with straw, which means that demand now mainly comes from livestock farming. The DCA Indicative Price remains the same as last week at €130 per tonne for both wheat and barley straw. There is little demand for meadow and grass seed hay, resulting in relatively little trade. For meadow hay, the DCA Indicative Price is €190 per tonne. For grass seed hay this ranges from €130 to €150 per tonne.
According to several traders, the trade in silage maize has yet to gain momentum. For example, customers with little own storage purchase as usual, but these are generally smaller batches. The DCA Indicative Price for silage maize remains unchanged and stands at €70 per tonne this week.