Sinterklaas has not yet left the country, but no presents are given in the forage trade. Prices remain at a relatively strong level. Most movement on the feed market is in the by-products.
The range of potato by-products is becoming somewhat wider. This is not unusual for pressed fiber during this period, but the pace at the chip processors is high, which means that there are also relatively many steam peels and chips available, according to some suppliers. However, feed potatoes are and remain difficult to obtain. Few potatoes are spilled by the processors. Seed potato yields are also not that bad and therefore hardly any excess is deposited in the feed. The DCA Indicative Price for feed potatoes remains stable at €60 per tonne.
The grain-related by-products do not show any major shifts. In general, protein products remain on the tight side, while there is more room in energy carriers. The DCA Indicative Price for spent grain remains the same as last week at €4,10 per percent dry matter.
Demand for straw from the bulbs is decreasing somewhat, but on the other hand, some livestock farmers are ordering some (extra) for Christmas. Partly because transport between Christmas and New Year is difficult, but also so that the bill can still be kept in the 2023 financial year. There are large differences between the North and South of the Netherlands in straw. The supply of straw from France is not disappointing, but transport costs make a big difference. A livestock farmer in the south who is a bit flexible and not too critical can, with a bit of luck, succeed for €125, while in the north €150 per ton is not unusual. The DCA Indicative Price for both wheat and barley straw is €140 per tonne.
Scarce goods
Grass seed hay is difficult to obtain. Due to a changeable summer, a relatively large amount has been chopped and we have enjoyed this throughout the season. The DCA Indicative Price is €170 per tonne. There is no distinction based on race among most traders. It's just what is available. Meadow hay is reasonably available. It is mainly the permanent work in meadow hay that continues. The DCA Indicative Price is €190 per tonne.
There is little trade in silage grass and silage maize. For corn, this is appropriate for this time of year, with the harvest only just behind us. The DCA Indicative Price remains the same at €85 per tonne. There is a demand for good silage grass, both in bales and row silage, but there is little supply. Livestock farmers grow good grass themselves and customers are not interested in a moderately harvested late cut that is available. The DCA Indicative Price is €90 per tonne.