The demand for roughage is picking up. The relatively high prices for many products made the livestock farmers hold off as long as possible in the hope that prices would fall further. However, due to the ongoing drought, other choices are now being made.
A few months ago it looked like this year would be an excellent forage season. Good cuts of grass were harvested on many farms and the maize developed quickly. That mood has now changed. The grass no longer grows or barely grows and many plots of maize need significant rain now that the grain has to fill. Although this does not immediately lead to a reduction, livestock farmers are sorting in advance for a lower corn harvest and disappointing last cuts of grass.
This is reflected, among other things, in the demand for by-products. Livestock farmers are inquiring about solid by-products more than a few weeks ago. This does not immediately mean more trade for more seasonal products such as steam peels, potato press fibers and beet pulp. It is a sign of the future according to traders. The demand for spent grain is picking up. The DCA Indicative Price for spent grain has taken a step up this week to €3,65 per percent dry matter. Feed potatoes are still only in limited supply. The DCA Indicative Price remains unchanged at €45 per tonne.
The straw harvest is almost over in the south of the country. In the north the harvest has not yet been completed. While the wheat yield was generally above average, the straw yield was not entirely satisfactory, according to various forage traders. The chopper on the combine is also easy to switch on this season. There appears to be sufficient supply of straw to meet demand for the time being. The DCA Indicative Price for both wheat and barley straw this week is €130 per tonne. In the north, where straw is still available from the field, the price is €5 to €10 lower if the buyer is flexible and can be delivered directly from the field.
Quality
There is relatively high demand for grass seed hay at the moment. Because the weather cooperated this season, the quality is generally good. Compared to hammered straw, the price is also favorable. Prices for grass seed hay range from €130 to €145 per tonne depending on the variety. In meadow hay, on the other hand, trade is quiet. The regular customers are at the market and normal work continues, but it also ends. The DCA Indicative Price remains the same at €175 per tonne.
Good silage maize is wanted. Yet the trade is not overly busy. According to traders, it is not easy to find good corn and if you know something, the selling party is generally able to quote a high price for it. The DCA Indicative Price for silage maize remains the same at €85 per tonne. Prices are already being quoted for very good maize in the region of €90. The supply of silage is also not limited. "A month ago, grass of lower quality from last season was offered to empty the slot silo, but that flow has now dried up," according to a trader. Foil bales of natural grass are available, but there is little demand for them. Buyers want grass where the cows give up milk, according to traders. The DCA Indicative Price for silage this week is €75 per tonne.