The maize harvest in the Netherlands is nearing its end. Due to the drought this summer, the product is in better demand than in other years, although according to traders it is not going through a storm. However, the prices of spent grains show a rising undertone.
After a quiet summer period, forage traders can have a good time again. The dry summer and the high milk price mean that dairy farmers have to enter the market, and are often able to do so financially. A generous budget is needed, because a batch of silage maize is much more expensive than in recent years. Prices are currently stable at €95 per tonne (delivered free) with a few peaks above €100. Until recently, the corn price often touched the €70 mark.
The balance of the corn harvest can soon be drawn up. The last plots are currently being chopped. These are often also the better plots that could wait a little longer. It is already clear that this year's harvest is disappointing, although the analysis results are often not yet known. Buying interest will probably continue to be high this year. Traders therefore do not rule out higher prices, although corn is already expensive.
Straw, meadow hay and silage grass
The trade in straw and meadow hay is at a much lower level with stable prices of €135 and €188 per tonne respectively. Thanks to rainfall in September, dairy farmers were often able to get a good last cut, although drying was a challenge. This also dampens the demand for silage, which is stable at €75 per tonne.
beer grain
The price of spent grain is increasing and is increasing by €0,05 to €4,05 per percent of dry matter. Availability is decreasing as brewers scale down production after the summer. Suppliers also warn of a long delivery time of 2 weeks to even a month (in trunk). The prices of other by-products also often rise, stimulated by the sharp increase in wheat and soy prices in recent weeks.