Current ZMP market trends
On the meat wholesale markets, beef was booked very cautiously due to the disappointingly quiet demand. However, the cost prices for carcasses and cuts mostly remained unchanged. The trade in cattle for slaughter was disrupted by the foolish goings-on in the north-west and south during Shrove Monday week. In most regions, the supply of young bulls was more than sufficient to meet the needs of the slaughterhouses. Within the ranges, the price peaks were capped, especially for high-quality animals. Only a limited number of female cattle for slaughter were available. The prices for cows and heifers remained largely stable. The federal funds for young bulls in the R3 class fell by two cents to EUR 2,49 per kilogram slaughter weight. As in the previous week, slaughter cows O3 brought 1,59 euros per kilogram. When shipping beef to neighboring countries, suppliers achieved slightly higher revenues here and there. – After the turn of the month, beef demand could receive a slight stimulus against the background of sales campaigns. The prices for slaughter cattle are therefore unlikely to change much. – The veal business was satisfactory for the time of year. Veal prices tended to remain mostly unchanged. As in the previous week, providers received a federal average of 4,36 euros per kilogram of slaughter weight for slaughter calves billed at a flat rate. – The prices for livestock calves developed stable to firm.
In the wholesale markets, the trade in pork left something to be desired. The cost prices for halves mostly remained unchanged. When reselling the sections, it was difficult to enforce the previous prices, here and there there were also discounts. In the second half of the week, however, an unexpectedly strong jump in prices determined the slaughter pig market. The decisive factor was the extremely limited supply of live animals and the constant willingness of the slaughterhouses to accept them. The federal budget for class E pigs rose by six cents to EUR 1,36 per kilogram slaughter weight and exceeded the previous year's level by seven cents. - The further development of slaughter pig prices in the next few days depends on whether these price increases can also be realized in the meat trade. – Demand from pig farmers for piglets remained brisk. The piglet quotations therefore remained at least stable, often they tended to be firmer again.
Eggs and poultry
Demand on the egg market remains calm. Both the egg product industry and the commercial dye works continue to be reluctant to plan. When there is plenty of supply, prices are under pressure. – Interest in the poultry meat market is mostly still subdued. The available supply is sufficient to meet demand. Poultry prices tend to be mostly stable.
milk and milkproducts
The seasonal increase in milk supply is being dampened by producers' efforts to better adjust milk volumes to quotas; the volume falls below the previous year's level. Packaged goods are normally in demand on the German butter market. The relationship between supply and demand is balanced. Nevertheless, there are signs of a price decline for March. In the meantime, larger quantities have been contracted for private storage. Hardly any quantities of block butter are available for March and April. The cheese market continues to be balanced. Sales of semi-hard cheese are brisk at home and abroad; in some cases, demand exceeds expectations. There are also contracts for exports to third countries. Cheese production declines slightly with stagnating milk volumes. There are signs of calming down in prices. On the whole milk powder market, demand has picked up despite weak prices. The inquiries for skimmed milk powder in food quality for short-term appointments have also increased in some cases. Feed goods are asked cautiously. Overall prices are stable.
Cereals and feed
The grain markets are mostly very sluggish. Trade in wheat in particular was slowed down by the ups and downs in prices. The first speculations about the 2004 harvest are also having an effect, for which significantly higher quantities than in 2003 are expected throughout the EU. The interest of the processors is low, but the trade demand for grain from EU internal market tenders also decreased. Elite wheat prices have recently fallen particularly sharply, while bread wheat prices have weakened only slightly. The mills signal little need for early dates, they are usually sufficiently supplied. Little business is also done with bread rye. Here, too, the supply increased due to the release from intervention stocks, but encountered a falling demand. There were slight price weaknesses. The feed grain market is also characterized by small sales. There is no major interest either on the selling side or on the receiving side. The current price weaknesses are currently mobilizing the sale of leftover quantities in yard storage. Imports and, above all, the release of grain from intervention stocks are helping to ease the market. There is therefore hardly any "room" left for grain prices. Grain corn prices are also falling, although not as significantly as the other grains. Sales of old-harvest malting barley are low, although the malthouses are still expected to have a certain connection requirement. The first smaller contracts for malting barley from the new harvest came about at prices below the previous year's level. – The rapeseed business picked up slightly with firmer prices. Forward contracts are in demand again. – In the feed sector, prices for individual energy components are pointing downwards; only the requirements for corn gluten feed are fixed. In the protein feed sector, soybean meal became more expensive. The noticeably tighter supply is nevertheless taken up smoothly, especially since the feed industry does not rule out further price increases. Prices for rapeseed meal and sunflower meal are also picking up sharply.
potatoes
The supply of weaker qualities from agriculture is growing on the potato market. Demand remains low, so prices remain under pressure. On the other hand, top lots are only offered with restraint because the storekeepers hope for higher prices for them. – The first early potatoes were planted in the early German growing areas.
Source: Bonn [ZmP]
