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Top crop rapeseed also feasible on sand
Freek and Henk Ensink in Schoonebeek in Drenthe sowed winter rapeseed for the fifth year. The first years were Danish varieties, since two years the LG Ambassador variety. "Last year we had almost 5 tons of rapeseed per hectare. A top yield on our sandy soil. And it also saves us from having to sow a mandatory catch crop, because rapeseed is a dormant crop for which extra compensation applies."
The Ensink brothers grow both in the stream valley of the Schoonebeker Diep rapeseed. Together this amounts to 13,5 hectares on four plots this season. In addition to rapeseed, they grow spring barley and starch potatoes in a 1 to 3 cropping plan. "We sow rapeseed in September after the barley harvest and after rapeseed we grow starch potatoes," says Henk.
"We often have problems with rooks here on our barley fields. That is why we grow rapeseed as an alternative and to spread risk and labor in our crops. We also do citizens and our neighbors a favor with this cultivation. They enjoy our yellow fields with flowering rapeseed We even see photos of it on Facebook." Because rapeseed counts as a green manure in the new CAP, Ensink has no additional costs for sowing a mandatory catch crop. In the eco scheme, rapeseed is a dormant crop for which additional compensation applies.
Curious about rapeseed in your construction plan?
Wondering whether rapeseed fits into your crop plan? Come to our rapeseed day on June 6, 2024 at Geert Lindenhols in Zuidwolde. This arable farmer has years of experience in growing rapeseed. More information & registration >>
Sustainable cultivation
Traditionally, little rapeseed has been grown in the Schoonebeek area. "We are in a virgin area in that respect, which means that the disease pressure for our rapeseed is very low," says Freek. "Plant protection products against diseases are not necessary. We only spray herbicides as soon as possible after sowing. We did not do that for the first two years, but it appears to be necessary. Especially in the less favored places in the field where weeds have more of a chance."
The cultivation-free zones under the CAP do not yet apply for this season. This will be the case when re-sowing rapeseed this autumn. Then Freek and Henk will have to pay more attention to weed control.
Timely spring fertilization
Last year, Ensink's rapeseed harvest was exceptionally good, with an average yield of almost 5 tons per hectare. Especially because they grow on sandy soil. The yields are very dependent on the weather conditions. "On average we achieve 3,5 tons per hectare," says Henk. "If there is not too much rain, rapeseed will thrive here as in the 2021 and 2022 seasons." Their sandy soil is very moisture-retentive.
"In a wet spring like now, you see plants disappearing in places in the weaker areas and that will have an impact on the yield," says Freek. Sowing was done at the end of September under good, dry conditions and fertilized with 25 to 30 cubic meters of pig manure. The rapeseed survived the winter well. "It seemed good, but due to the rain in April we were unable to spread fertilizer. That only happened a month later and timely spring fertilization is really necessary for good growth."
Harvest and marketing of rapeseed
The brothers carry out the soil preparation and sowing the rapeseed themselves. Contractor Oudehinkel in Emlichheim harvests the rapeseed on stems. "Because the seeds do not ripen at the same time, determining the right harvest time for rapeseed is always difficult. If you harvest too early, the oil content and the payout are lower. And if too much seed remains on the field, you are too late" , says Freek. In that respect, you are best off with a haw-resistant variety like Ambassador, it gives you a little more flexibility in harvest planning.
In the first few years, the rapeseed was sold to a German cooperative. Ensink has been supplying it to Agrifirm for two years. "In 2022 we sold the rapeseed at the daily price for €550 per tonne. In retrospect, we should have had it in the Agrifirm pool, because the pool price ultimately came to €700 per tonne due to the war in Ukraine," says Henk. "Prices have now normalized again. We will take a look and decide just before the harvest where we will sell our rapeseed. Either in the Agrifirm pool or to the German cooperative. Predicting the market remains difficult, but we keep the Matif keep a close eye on the quotation for rapeseed."
Balance equivalent to grain
The brothers are satisfied with the balance of LG Ambassador, the seed of which they purchased via Agrifirm. "Rapeseed does not fetch the highest price, but its cultivation also costs us little. Pig manure is free and spraying against diseases is not necessary. We pay €145 per hectare for herbicide spraying, €100 for seed and €350 for fertilizer. Contract work for rapeseed is about €50 per hectare more expensive than barley," says Henk.
He indicates that the average balance of their rapeseed is certainly not lower than that of grain. "Because the prices of rapeseed and grain are communicating vessels. When grain prices are high, the price of rapeseed is also high and vice versa," says Freek. The brothers see that many growers are looking for higher-yielding crops, such as onions. "We consciously look for a less intensive labor film. With crops such as onions or starch potatoes you have a lot more work."
View the recommended rapeseed varieties >>
Curious about rapeseed in your construction plan?
Knowing more? Come to our rapeseed day on June 6, 2024 at Geert Lindenhols in Zuidwolde. This arable farmer has years of experience in growing rapeseed. More information & registration >>
