Where does all the corn silage go? Dairy farmers received this question from contractors. The maize crop has beaten all expectations, despite the storm damage. So why is the crop not getting the appreciation it deserves and what challenges does it present?
Once again dairy farmers can look back on an excellent growing season. It produces special pictures during the corn harvest, because where should the corn go when the silage plate is already full? In the week of October 16, the corn harvest could be completed in most places in the center of the Netherlands. In general, companies active in the feed trade expect that the corn harvest can also be completed in the north of the Netherlands next week.
Largest harvest in 10 years
It is not yet possible to say anything about the quality of the maize, but it is clear that many tons are produced. Limagrain even takes into account the best yield in 10 years. Jan Bakker, director of KWS, can confirm this based on the harvest in Belgium. For example, Belgian dairy farmers achieved 50% of the usual yield from the field a season earlier, but this season it is 110% to 115%. It should be noted that drought in the south of the country has meant that not all Belgian dairy farmers have been able to benefit from the favorable weather.
"In Belgium, if there is sufficient yield, the choice is often made to make CCM from maize. This way the product can be used as concentrate," says Bakker. He also wants to pass this advice on to Dutch dairy farmers. "If you have already extracted enough feed and the corn still needs to be harvested, consider turning it into CCM."
Ample supplies
This advice is given because there is an abundant harvest of roughage, grass and corn. The good harvest is already the third in a row, which means that livestock farmers now have ample supplies at their disposal. Many dairy farmers indicate that they have gained 2017 years worth of feed in the 1,5 season alone.
If the limitations that the nutrient rights system will impose are taken into account, the question is whether the feed will be used optimally. It has also had an impact on the prices of silage maize. Something that causes arable farmers at the border to prefer to cash in on the maize rather than weigh it against losses. An asking price of €36 per ton appears to be too much. On average, the corn sells for €35 to €45 per tonne free of charge, or €1,25 to €1,35 per percent dry matter. The latter price is mainly used when there is a demand for a specific quality.
Trade is different than in other years. This is because livestock farmers, who usually have shortages, now also have sufficient stock.
Shortages in potato products
The shortage in potato products appears to be a boost for corn sales. Both chips and peels are hardly available. The availability of spent grains is also described as poor. For starch, corn should be looked at.
In terms of phosphate, the preferred product is the north of France. In the meantime, there is a lively demand for products to increase milk production. The levels in the milk indicate that it is successful, but something is still possible in the liters. Dairy farmers do not seem satisfied with this yet. These are the same arguments for replacing less good cattle with relatively expensive milk-producing heifers.
Irish scenes in grass
It is quiet in the grass. Harvesting continues there, which brings the counter to the fifth, sixth and a few seventh cuts. In addition, the grass has a color that is usually only seen in Ireland. Livestock farmers have been able to harvest enough of this.
Why doesn't corn get the appreciation it deserves? The harvest results put pressure on the price, due to less demand. At the same time, maize cultivation is being stopped due to politics sandy and loess soil discouraged. Early sowing of green manures and fertilization in the row will make cultivation a challenge. A tough one for a crop that has lived up to all high expectations this year.