The dry and warm weather is keeping things busy on the roughage market. The grass is barely growing at the moment and it remains to be seen how the drought will affect the maize. Some farmers meanwhile are having trouble keeping the cows properly milked. This means that there is a lot of information about by-products.
The good start to the grass and corn season has already been forgotten on the roughage market. "A month ago you still had trouble getting rid of grass silage, so to speak, because everyone thought they had enough grass. Now there is plenty of information about whether you still have some leftovers," said a trader.
According to various traders, the greatest demand at the moment is mainly for by-products. Several livestock farmers have their rations in good order and know how to keep their cows supplied with milk. However, there is a growing group where milk production is declining somewhat. The nutritional value of the grass is declining and this is reflected in the cows. These livestock farmers are looking for a supplement to the current ration. Extra concentrates would be an option, but chunks are expensive. Partly for this reason, there is also a lot of interest in other (protein) products. Steam-peeled potatoes, corngold, gelatinized wheat and brewer's grains, among others, are in high demand. However, the range of these products is not unlimited. Depending on the product, different suppliers have waiting times of up to two weeks.
Price of spent grains is rising
The DCA Indicative Price for spent grain has taken another step up and this week amounts to €3,70 per percent dry matter. Due to the high demand, traders certainly cannot rule out a further increase in the price. The supply of feed potatoes remains limited. The potato harvest appears to be average this season and prices are at a relatively high level. As a result, the processing industry hardly spills any potatoes, according to foragers, and the supply of feed potatoes remains limited. The DCA Indicative Price remains the same at €45 per tonne.
There is also a lot of interest in silage maize at the moment. This is mainly because there are doubts about the development of the corn this season. Seen from the road, the corn is generally in good condition. We just have to wait and see how the grain setting and filling progress. This requires significant rain, especially in the south. Partly for this reason, there is a relatively high demand for corn. At the same time, sellers are reluctant to offer corn. The DCA Indicative Price for silage maize has risen this week to €87,50 per tonne.
Grass seed hay is in significantly higher demand this season compared to recent years. The season was good during the harvest and therefore the quality is good. In addition, rumen injection is also sought for in the ration because of the generally less structured holes in the spring. The DCA Indicative Price for grass seed hay ranges from €130 to €145 depending on the variety. There is little change in meadow hay. The demand for meadow hay comes mainly from horse farming and less from dairy farming. The DCA Indicative Price remains the same at €175 per tonne. The trade in silage is very quiet with most traders. There is demand, but there is hardly any supply of road pits. Livestock farmers are careful with their own stock and hardly offer anything. The silage supply currently mainly consists of foil bales. The DCA Indicative Price for silage delivered in the silo is €75 per tonne, but as mentioned, there is little trade.
Peace has returned to the straw market. The harvest is largely completed and the trade shifts to the supply of straw from the shed. As a result, there is no need for arable farmers to sell quickly. The DCA Indicative Price for both wheat and barley straw this week is €130 per tonne.