This spring, cattle manure again found its way to arable land and grassland. This is very different for pig slurry. If intermediaries pick it up, they charge top prizes. Processing is currently the only option and it is even cheaper.
The spring launch of 2017 went smoothly and well. This is evident from inquiries from intermediaries and contractors. Since it took a long time before the fields were dry enough to be ridden, the season was quite short. The supply of pig manure has been very large from the start. This spring, pig farmers were again mainly dependent on manure handlers and processors.
Cattle manure could easily find its way to arable farmers. Pig manure had a lot more difficulty with that. Intermediaries and contractors report that the supply of cattle manure after spring application is minimal. This shows that cattle farmers in particular have been able to benefit from the short spreading season. This trend emerged several years ago and is now continuing.
Thin fraction is the problem
Pig farmers can still use some of their manure for storage, but they are expected to rely on manure processors, separators and exporters for the rest of this year. The sale of the phosphate-rich solid fraction is generally not a problem.
On the other hand, the sale of the nitrogen-rich thin fraction is an increasing problem. Techniques to “wash” the thin fraction are often too expensive. What remains is to drive the thin fraction out onto the land. This is also one of the reasons why pig farmers are investing in land again for the first time in years. The land purchase is mainly intended for the company's own manure sales and cultivation of roughage. Selling your own manure is worthwhile because manure prices have never been so high before.
Top level collection contributions
The collection contributions for pig farmers in week 21 are at the same level as in the same period a year ago. That is around 23 euros per cubic meter. If we look back at the previous years, fertilizer prices in 2016 and 2017 were a lot higher. Prices in the south region fluctuated around 2010 euros per cubic meter in the month of May from 2015 to 18. In the central region, collection contributions were much lower during that period, namely between 14 and 21 euros. From 2015 onwards, pig farmers in the central region will pay more to get rid of their manure than their colleagues in the south.
Collection contributions are highest in the Lichtenvoorde region
Since December 2014, manure processing has been cheaper than sales on the regular market. Including transport, manure processing costs an average of 20 euros per tonne, from the farm. The collection contributions for pig slurry, intended for the regular market, have risen to a record high. The most expensive was the manure at the beginning of March. This was then 25,50 euros per cubic meter.
In the middle region the price is higher than in the south region. Traditionally, pig farmers in the south always paid the top price. The most expensive manure this year was in the Barneveld region, namely 26,50 euros per cubic meter. At the end of May, pig farmers in the Lichtenvoorde region paid the most, namely 24,50 euros per cubic meter.
Trend Report Pigs & Feed Pro
This is part of the Trend Report Pigs & Feed Pro (Q2 2017). You can download the entire report download here.