After two wet springs, this year we have just had the driest March since measurements began in 1906, according to the KNMI. The fact that it is dry is also noticeable on the feed market. The demand for straw in particular is somewhat quieter, according to forage traders. Due to a reasonably good milk price, there are no cutbacks on feed.
Last year around this time you almost had to wear waders to get into the pasture and now the cows are outside or will soon be outside. The demand for straw is therefore somewhat lower than it has been in other years around this time. Incidentally, this is even more of an issue in horse farming and sheep. The DCA Indicative Price for straw remains stable at €185 per tonne due to the tight supply.
There is not much grass outside yet and although some companies are putting their cows outside during the day, farmers are still holding on to their winter rations. As a result, the demand for by-products remains fairly stable. There is sufficient supply and long waiting times, such as those we saw last winter, are absolutely not an issue. In fact, field service employees are more active on the farm again. The DCA Indicative Price for brewers' grains is taking a step back this week to €3,30 per percent dry matter.
Better supply of feed potatoes
Feed potatoes are somewhat easier to obtain compared to a few weeks ago. Processors have enough to choose from and are somewhat more willing to say no to potatoes that have something wrong with them or that are less suitable for flakes due to their low underwater weight. Although there is somewhat more supply, the DCA Indicative Price for feed potatoes remains stable at €50 per ton. A trader mentions carrots as an affordable alternative. "We are offered quite a lot of carrots and that is also a nice product when rinsed and at €25 per tonne it is also affordable."
In corn, the trade is going quite smoothly. According to various traders, there is quite a lot of inquiry about whether something is available. And if something is available, the corn is also selling quickly. The price for silage corn is quite firm. The DCA Indicative Price has increased this week by €5 to €85 per ton.
Early first cut?
In grass in the broad sense, it is quiet. Meadow and grass seed hay is doing reasonably well, but for most traders we are talking about an occasional feed. The DCA Indicative Prices for meadow and grass seed hay this week amount to €195 and €165 per tonne respectively. In silage grass, buyers and sellers are having a hard time finding each other. Sellers are betting quite high and think, with what looks like a dry spring in the offing, 'they will come anyway'. Buyers are taking a slightly different approach and see that things are getting a bit warmer. They expect the grass to really start growing now and that the first cut can be mown early if things go well. The DCA Indicative Price for silage grass remains stable at €80 per tonne.