Expectations for silage maize vary widely

What does a challenging growing season do for silage maize, to say the least? We will get the answer in time. For the time being, it is a bit of a fumble in the dark. In principle, there are enough hectares of maize, but the situation is very variable. This is no surprise for the very late sown maize. The plots sown on time have not all come through the cool and wet spring and early summer equally well. This is reflected in the prices for maize on the stem. Last week, there were a few transactions of up to €3.000 per hectare for good, even plots. The prices are under some pressure and prices of €2.000 to €2.500 per hectare are now also being mentioned. There is not much trade. Buyers are waiting and seem to think that there is still some room for improvement when the chopper has to go in. 

The DCA Indicative Price for silage maize from the 2023 harvest is taking a step back to €95 per tonne. It is mainly livestock farmers who are short who are buying some extra. It is certainly not a market for the bargain hunter.

The DCA Indicative Price for brewers grains is increasing slightly, to €3,55 per percent dry matter. Demand is good and perhaps a little too good in relation to supply. Brewers grains are a well-known product for many livestock farmers, which is also available all year round. The raw materials market is somewhat in flux and according to some suppliers it would do no harm to look further. Depending on the supplement in the ration that is sought, there are interesting products available in terms of price. Feed potatoes are difficult to obtain. The DCA Indicative Price remains the same as last week at €50 per tonne.

The grain harvest was not good and that is and remains noticeable for straw. The supply of wheat and barley straw is tight. Arable farmers with straw in the barn keep the door closed. 'There is straw in itself, but they ask the top price for it', according to a trader. The DCA Indicative price for wheat straw increases to €160 per ton, barley straw remains the same at €155 per ton.

There is hardly any trade in grass seed hay. Livestock farmers who like to feed grass seed hay do have a stock and compared to straw, grass seed hay is expensive. The DCA Indicative Price remains the same at €185 per ton. As for meadow hay, the DCA Indicative Price for this week is unchanged. This means that the Indicative Price is €190 per ton. Just like in grass seed hay, there is little trade in meadow hay. 'That also fits in with this time of year,' says a forage trader.

The DCA Indicative Price for silage grass also remains the same at €80 per tonne. Autumn grass is a lot cheaper, but a good first or second cut that the cows give milk on or that is suitable for goats, is around €80 per tonne.