There's little consistency in the roughage trade. The by-products, in particular, vary significantly in availability and price. Trying something different can save quite a bit, but not every livestock farmer is keen. Demand for straw is increasing now that livestock is coming indoors and bulb growers haven't finished planting yet.
The milk price is under pressure and the costs for manure disposal do not seem to be decreasing if we look at the line in the 8e Nitrate Directive Action Program. Yet, cost savings aren't at the top of every livestock farmer's list when looking at the feed market. To some extent, that's understandable. After all, you need something to sell, and if the cows are doing well now, you naturally don't want to make too many adjustments to the rations, risking lower milk production.
There's a slight imbalance in the supply and demand for by-products. Products like potato steam peels and brewers' grains are in high demand. The DCA indicative price for brewers' grains this week is €3,90 per percent dry matter.
The choice is huge
Campaign products like pressed pulp or pressed fiber are readily available. Instead of a discount like we saw in previous campaigns, pressed pulp is still available at this stage of the season. Potato products (except steam peels) are also widely available. There are no waiting times for chips and feed potatoes. The DCA Indicative Price for feed potatoes remains stable at €30 per tonne. Carrots, chicory roots, and onions are relatively easy to obtain, according to some insiders. If, for example, you're short on corn before the new silage can be dug, or are looking for some extra energy in your ration, there are good opportunities, according to several suppliers.
Demand for straw is relatively high. Bulb growers haven't finished planting yet and are still pushing for it. They do, however, prefer long straw and are particularly keen on French straw. Demand from the livestock sector is also increasing somewhat. Some livestock farmers who found straw too expensive in the summer are now having to make the switch.
No bedding when the cows are indoors is also not an option. Due to the diversity of customers, the price range for straw is not getting any smaller. The DCA Indicative Price for both wheat and barley straw remains unchanged at €165 per ton. Prices range from €150 for undemanding customers in the south to around €185 for good long straw delivered on demand in the northern part of North Holland.
Grass seed hay continues to perform well. After a very mediocre season, grass seed hay is finally making a comeback on cows' menus. The DCA price for English ryegrass rose to €170 per tonne this week, putting it on par with meadow fescue and tall fescue. Red fescue is at €180 per tonne. Meadow hay remains stable at €190 per tonne.
There's not much trade in either grass or maize silage. For maize from the field, except for a lost plot, the trade has been closed for a few weeks now. If there is demand for silage maize, it often involves a few loads to bridge the gap until the new silage is preserved. The DCA indicative price for maize silage remains stable at €80 per tonne.
According to traders, good quality silage is easy to sell. Especially in the south of the country, where the drought has severely impacted some areas, livestock farmers don't hesitate when they think they're in dire straits. A trader also notes that there's already considerable demand for organic silage early in the season. The DCA indicative price for silage remains unchanged at €85 per tonne.