Growth in manure surplus threatens due to drought

The collection contributions for fattening pig slurry in the south of the Netherlands were ticking over 1 week earlier the highest point since 2010. In week 30 the price drops back to €26,67 per tonne, but that is still an extremely high level (especially for the summer period). In the center of the country the price is €24,67 per tonne, which is in line with prices in 2016.

The situation is not much better in the sale of cattle slurry. Prices there are also much higher than in other years. For example, DCA quotes €16,67 per ton for the Central region and the price in the South region is €19,67 per ton.

Drought is partly the cause
The higher prices for cattle slurry are partly caused by the drought. For example, grass growth has come to a standstill for several weeks and the cows are back in the stables in various places. In many cases the cows 'in the evening done in the meadow, but that does not happen everywhere, which means that the manure pits are fuller than in other years.

Another problem, which also affects pig farmers, is the limited nitrogen space available to arable farmers. "It is not because there are enough empty arable plots to be able to spread manure. Yet there is still no demand among contractors and manure intermediaries to spread manure," reads the explanation of DCA's listing.

Delphy's advisors make it clear that there is no reason to hurry, because there is still plenty of time to sow green manures. "Now it makes no sense, because less than 10% comes to the surface," says Nelis van der Bok, senior arable farming advisor in the Southwest region. "In places the ground is too hard to inject," says Leen van Marion, arable farming advisor.

Limited nitrogen space
Both men indicate that arable farmers used more fertilizer in the spring (due to problems with precipitation), which now leaves only limited space for placement. "I estimate that the space available for installation, despite the limited use of liquid manure in the spring, is virtually the same as in other years," says Van Marion.

Due to the limited nitrogen space, there is little incentive to use cattle slurry. From Marion: "Pig slurry fits better, but champost and solid manure fit the space even better." This paints the picture that less liquid manure has been placed, but that less will also be placed in the coming period. "An extension of the release season will not change much of that," Van Marion emphasizes.

The pressure is increasing because the drought is hindering the sowing of green manures. They have to stand for 8 weeks to earn nitrogen space. This presents another dilemma, because arable farmers would like to start plowing in mid-September (particularly on clay soils). "The uncertainty about the use of green manures makes arable farmers even more cautious about the use of manure."

Advantage of driving out longer
It seems that an extension of the spreading season can only offer a solution for dairy farmers. If rain comes and the grass starts growing, an extra dose of fertilizer can be given. In the meantime, dairy farmers are starting to become more reluctant to hand over manure, because the feed costs increase. This could be a signal that the financial position is not sufficient to absorb higher feed and sales costs for manure. Regardless of the ratio phosphate and livestock At the company.

There is still prospect of a price reduction for dairy farming, but the sale of pig manure is more difficult. Even now that the spreading season still lasts a while, prices are at an exceptionally high level. The collection contributions for pig slurry are increasing.

There is little demand for cattle slurry.