The weather forecasters are expecting drier weather. That is good news for the roughage market. Maize has had a boost from the precipitation and grass is also growing well again. But dry weather is simply a requirement for the straw and grass harvest.
The wheat harvest is one with challenges, to put it mildly, and this is clearly reflected in the supply of straw. A few weeks ago it seemed that plenty of straw would become available, but insiders are no longer so sure. Beautiful golden straw has been harvested towards the south of France. What is still in the swath in the Netherlands, Germany and France has significantly lost quality. The big question, however, is what happens to the wheat straw that is still standing. Arable farmers easily switch on the chopper if they are unsure whether they can store the straw properly or if they are afraid of structural damage during pressing and loading. The DCA Indicative Price for both wheat and barley straw remains the same as last week at €130 per tonne.
There is slowly becoming a slightly more supply of silage maize. The market is certainly not oversupplied, but the corn has picked up sharply in recent weeks and some traders notice that livestock farmers who have more corn in their supply are finding it easier to make the decision to get rid of a few loads. The DCA Indicative Price takes a small step back this week to €110 per tonne.
There is not much good grass seed hay available and there is not much more available. Plots have also been squeezed under questionable conditions and there is virtually no market for them. The demand for grass seed hay varies greatly per trader. Hammered straw is popular with a large group of livestock farmers because its quality is more assured, especially in a year like this. The DCA Indicative Price for grass seed hay is €150 per tonne. It is striking that there is hardly any distinction between breeds. Due to limited supply, quality is leading. Little has changed in meadow hay and the Indicative Price remains the same at €190 per tonne.
Good silage is difficult to find
Silage grass remains a difficult market. Demand remains strong, but the supply of good silage simply does not last. The trade that takes place often concerns grass of slightly lower quality or it concerns a few loads of foil bales. The DCA Indicative Price for good silage grass is €100 per tonne delivered loose in the silo, excluding shovel.
The supply of by-products is also limited. Potato by-products in particular are scarce. Feed potatoes are hardly available. The Indicative Price remains the same at €60 per tonne, but some traders indicate that it is more 'what the fool would pay if a cup of coffee is available'. Beer spent grain remains stable at €3,80 per percent dry matter.