The feed market is shifting now that supply is being absorbed more readily and demand from livestock farming is picking up. Price pressure is decreasing in residual streams and by-products. Read more about developments in the by-products market.
Those who want to squeeze every last drop out of the pot run the risk of getting a slap in the face. That is somewhat the case with certain residual streams. The starch campaign is largely over, and the fries industry is not operating at full throttle. Meanwhile, there is quite a bit of interest from the livestock sector in building up a stock of one thing or another.
With discounts for larger quantities of certain products, as suppliers are doing, there is significantly less haggling this week. In fact, according to some insiders, if demand remains strong, you shouldn't be surprised if prices rise again somewhat. The DCA Indicative Price for brewers' spent grain remains unchanged at €3,15 per percent dry matter.
Spring work beckons
The very strange situation is fading in feed potatoes as well. It is hard to say what is causing it, but according to some insiders, the supply is just slightly lower. Perhaps, with the nice weather, arable farmers are prioritizing fieldwork over sorting potatoes for feed.
The fact that mowing can begin in a few weeks and potatoes can be ensiled along with it could play a role. However, logistics could still be a bottleneck. A large amount of grass can be mowed and ensiled in just a few days. Getting potatoes everywhere on time could therefore prove difficult.
As a livestock farmer, you naturally do not want to order washed potatoes far in advance. Differences between traders regarding what they charge for potatoes are relatively large this week. Some are supplying for €0, while others are charging €15 for unwashed potatoes. The DCA Indicative Price remains the same as last week at €5 per ton.
Regular work in hay and straw continues. The trade relies primarily on regular customers who order year-round. The DCA Indicative Price for wheat straw remains stable at €165 per ton. Barley straw is €5 above that at €170 per ton. Pasture hay comes in at €200 per ton. There is little trade in grass seed hay, and depending on the variety, the price ranges from €160 to €180 per ton.
Good silage is and remains quite sought after and therefore remains quite expensive. The DCA Indicative Price comes in at €90 per ton. Bales of slightly late-mown autumn grass are, incidentally, considerably cheaper. You can manage with such grass for young cows or to supplement the sheep's feed, but for dairy cattle, that is naturally not ideal.
It is not particularly busy in the silage maize market, but if you do have some, you sell it again just as quickly, according to various traders. The DCA Indicative Price for silage maize stands at €80 per ton.