The trade in roughage continues smoothly, according to various forage traders. Good grass silage is and will continue to be in demand and the demand for by-products is also greater than the supply. With hay and straw, it is the permanent work that continues to run smoothly.
The maize silage results have been or will soon be received as the grazing season comes to an end. According to insiders, livestock farmers are therefore once again tinkering with the ration. Due to the relatively high milk price, maximum milking remains a priority. The corn doesn't seem to be a real winner this year. Partly because of this, according to some traders, there is extra demand for supplementation in the form of by-products to the ration.
However, the availability of by-products does not stop there. Several suppliers note that they could sell much more than is available. The regular feeders that are purchased all year round are given priority by most traders. Then the regular customers follow. Of course it varies depending on the product, but waiting times of a few weeks seem to be standard with most suppliers. The DCA Indicative Price for spent grain remains unchanged at €4,05 per percent dry matter. The potato processing industry can use almost all the potatoes at the moment. There is also hardly any supply from the seed potato sector. "You really have to have permanent addresses for feed potatoes, otherwise you won't get them at all," according to a trader. The DCA Indicative Price for feed potatoes is €45 per tonne when they are available.
Changing question
The demand for silage maize varies considerably among traders. For some it is quiet so soon after the harvest, while for others demand is slowly picking up. Some livestock farmers are now receiving pressed potato fiber or pressed pulp and want to have some (extra) corn delivered in return. The DCA Indicative Price remains the same at €95 per tonne, although €100 per tonne is also mentioned. Demand for good silage remains. The offer just doesn't last. Livestock farmers generally do not have an excessive supply of roughage, which means they are cautious about selling grass silage. The DCA Indicative Price for silage increases this week and amounts to €80 per tonne.
The high transport costs are clearly noticeable in the straw trade. An important part comes from France and Germany, for example, so the costs for transport then increase considerably. In addition, sellers also find it difficult to say goodbye to the straw in the shed. The DCA Indicative Price for wheat and barley straw has risen this week to €140 per tonne. Grass seed hay is also taking a step up this week to €140 to €155 per tonne. Demand remains relatively good, partly due to the good quality this year, according to traders. The DCA Indicative Price for meadow hay remains stable at €190 per tonne. The demand for meadow hay remains limited.
Click here for an overview of the DCA Indicative Prices for Roughage