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Winter rapeseed: balance more attractive than ever
Due to the high price level and the increased yield of the new yellowing virus-resistant varieties, a very good return can be achieved with winter rapeseed. The demand for vegetable oils was already on the rise and the international shortage of sunflower oil has now come on top of that.
That offers prospects for rapeseed in more Dutch building plans, even with sugar beet. In addition, the crop has been added to the CAP list of dormant crops, with the prospect of a higher hectare premium via this eco-scheme.
Benefits of rapeseed cultivation
Just like winter barley, winter rapeseed is an early culling crop that provides spreading and opportunities for progeny. It also ensures harvest security in dry years, when spring crops are difficult to emerge. Early-ripening rapeseed varieties mean that it is also possible to sow a little later, for example after early potatoes. Good pre-fruits are also winter cereals, flax, onion sets, grass seed, peas and alfalfa. Subsequent crops benefit from the nitrogen mineralization from rapeseed and the improved structure. With winter wheat, this gives an extra 10% extra yield! Grain also benefits from the effective darkening that is possible in rapeseed.
Tons more per hectare
Naturally, the high productivity of LG's latest hybrid generation to get the most out of cultivation and the market. You can easily harvest a ton more per hectare. Especially the resistance to the often underestimated yellowing virus - which the varieties have as standard - makes the difference. But also the improved efficiency of nitrogen use (N-FLEX), which means that you can harvest more with the same application or the same with less N. With N-Flex hybrids, you cover yourself against high costs and/or shortages of fertilizer.
Rapeseed yield
In recent years, the balance of the cultivation of virus-resistant rapeseed varieties was between €2.000 and €2.500 per hectare. A balance is also expected for 2022 that we have not seen for decades. This is the result of a combination of the number of hours of sunshine and the historical prices. Cultivation costs for rapeseed have increased, but due to the favorable price development, rapeseed will remain a good choice in the crop plan in the future.
