The maize harvest in the north is still struggling due to rain, while the trade in maize silage and byproducts is approaching the end of the season. Demand for baled fiber and straw remains high, especially for bulbs. Feed potatoes and silage also remain in demand. Read more about current market prices and trends in feed and byproducts.
The rain is unevenly distributed between the north and center of the country and the south. Last weekend, it was again a hit, with the most rain falling in the north. That's precisely where most of the maize is still stuck. Some attempts are now being made, but they're not working automatically yet. According to an insider, a detached tractor with a chain is necessary in some areas to pull a stuck tractor back free.
The silage maize trade is starting to calm down somewhat. Livestock farmers who waited to buy maize "because it might still be a bit cheaper" are now in danger of missing out. Especially in the south of the country, most maize has already been chopped, and it's difficult to buy maize directly from the chopper nearby. While more is still secured in the north, most of it is also secured here. The DCA indicative price for maize silage remains the same as last week at €67,50 per tonne delivered to the silage pit, excluding shovel.
Although the corn harvest is in its final stages, demand for products like pressed fiber (traditionally in high demand for covering materials) remains quite high. This is true for all major byproduct streams. Several suppliers indicate they could sell more than they currently have available. This is partly due to good demand from livestock farming, but also because several processing industries are not operating at full capacity. The French fry industry doesn't mind shutdowns, and grain processors are also operating at a slower pace due to limited demand for end products. In a market like this, it also becomes clear how many non-food agricultural products are used for. One exception to the slower processing rate is the sugar industry. Sugar beet yields are generally very good, resulting in slightly more pressed pulp. This additional volume is, incidentally, easily absorbed by the market. The DCA Indicative Price for brewers' grains rose this week by €0,10 to €3,75 per percent dry matter.
Story apart
Feed potatoes remain a bit of a different story. Several forage traders report having a decent supply, but not in the volumes previously anticipated. Some traders have become more cautious about feed potatoes directly from the harvester. Even when loaded over the hopper, a clod of soil and loose soil can easily accumulate. Livestock farmers accustomed to feed potatoes aren't too fazed by this and only raise the alarm when the situation gets truly out of hand. Some livestock farmers, attracted by a competitive price (unloading directly into the truck, and especially avoiding extra costs), are willing to give it a try after just one load, with a small amount of soil. Some traders also note that direct links are being established between livestock farmers and arable farmers. The DCA indicative price for good feed potatoes is €40, delivered free of charge.
To the bulbs
Trade in hay and straw is limited. Straw is in demand, but primarily from bulb growers. In the livestock sector, it's mainly regular customers, such as goat farmers and riding schools, who are at the market. Straw, however, remains quite expensive. The DCA Indicative Price this week is €160 per tonne. In the north of the country, €170 is also a factor, while a less critical and somewhat flexible customer in the south can also trade for €150. Trade in both pasture and grass seed hay is limited. Prices remain stable at €180 and €160 per tonne, respectively.
Even though it's October, several livestock farmers want to mow one more time before winter. This grass is also offered in relatively large quantities to the trade. However, there's little to no demand. Good first- or second-cut silage, which is in demand, is harder to find. The DCA indicative price for silage is €80 per tonne.