Netherlands: Plenty of roughage hardly lowers prices

Due to prolonged periods of drought in 2018, 2019 and 2020, roughage stocks on many farms dwindled and shortages arose. Due to this year's grass growth, most livestock farmers managed to regain sufficient grass silage for the coming season. Maize, the second roughage crop on many dairy farms, also grew well this year. In most regions, the maize is doing well. That is to say: a large crop with large sturdy plants and well-filled cobs. However, as every year, there are significant differences between plots. Ripening is two weeks later than average this year, which means that the harvest date is also shifting. Catch crop for October 1 In the south and east of the country, the maize harvest is slowly getting under way. Some growers choose to harvest slightly earlier than the optimal harvest time, because otherwise they cannot meet the obligation to sow a catch crop before October 1. The trade in parcels of silage maize is in full swing. It seems that the average price level is ...