Some are early with the first cut of grass.

Grass mowing has begun in large parts of the Netherlands. There wasn't a great deal of grass on the land yet, but to spread the workload a bit, or because maize is sown after the grass, some livestock farmers have made the decision to take advantage of the dry weather to mow part of the first cut. In addition to mowing, there is more activity in the fields, and maize is also being sown.

The dry weather is naturally nice for fieldwork. However, it shouldn't last too long. Maize can still be sown properly in moist conditions, but a shower would be welcome for the regrowth of the pasture after mowing. According to an insider, this also plays a role in the fact that some livestock farmers seem to be in a hurry with the first cut. With a thick layer of grass, the stubble is bright yellow, and without rain, it takes quite a while for it to start growing again.

The trade in silage is fairly subdued. Regular customers are doing what they have to do, but there are not many panic purchases because people are out of stock. The fact that last year was a fairly good roughage year, except for the south, helps maintain calm in the market. The DCA Indicative Price for silage is taking a step back to €80 per ton. Organic silage remains the exception. There is relatively high demand for it, while supply is low.

Major differences in by-products
By-products are and remain a unique trade. On average, supply and demand are reasonably balanced, but there are significant differences between products. Various products from the grain processing industry are readily available and reasonably competitively priced, although we appear to be past the price low for the time being. When considering feed value, brewers' spent grain is not the cheapest option. Cows generally thrive on it, and a fair number of farmers who turn their cows out to pasture consider it a nice, stable product in the spring ration. "You shouldn't let things slide, but then brewers' spent grain is easy to place," according to an insider. The DCA Indicative Price for brewers' spent grain remains stable at €3,15 per percent dry matter.

Flows from arable farming present a somewhat mixed picture. Carrots are in ample supply, both washed and unwashed. The list of livestock farmers interested in unwashed carrots is not very long at most traders, so that might distort the picture a little. Onions are also readily available. Digesters are slowing down somewhat, partly because there are quite a few quality issues. Remarkably, several traders report that the supply of feed potatoes is limited. "We are mainly trying to supply our regular feeders with potatoes and are holding off on the extra demand for potatoes to be ensiled with the grass for the time being," says a trader. The DCA Indicative Price for feed potatoes is rising to €10 per ton this week.

The fact that the supply of feed potatoes is decreasing somewhat does not entirely align with the supply of residual streams from the potato processing industry. The supply of, for example, steam peels or chips is also not exactly abundant.

Trade in silage maize is limited. Regular buyers with little or no maize of their own are purchasing, but are supplementing with by-products. According to traders, this is noticeable in the volumes being taken. The DCA Indicative Price for silage maize stands at €75 per ton.

Regular business continues in hay and straw. Straw sellers are somewhat more accommodating, but you lose most of that margin to higher transport costs. The DCA Indicative Price for wheat straw remains stable at €165 per ton. Barley straw is €5 above that. Pasture hay is not in very high demand. The trade mainly depends on horses. The price remains stable at €200 per ton. There is almost no trade in grass seed hay. Depending on the variety, the price ranges from €160 to €180 per ton.