Does the cultivation of wheat yield enough or not enough? The decision on how much wheat to sow must be made within a few weeks. Time to analyze whether wheat cultivation may become more attractive again.
It is clear that wheat cultivation is certainly attractive this season, compared to previous years. For example, the wheat price is now at top level since July 2015 and the straw price is also at a high level. This has everything to do with the drought in Europe.
If we calculate with a wheat price of €200 per ton (as it is currently quoted) and a yield of 10 tons per hectare, we arrive at €2.000 per hectare for the grain. On top of that comes approximately 4 tons of straw. If we assume approximately €85 per tonne of straw (from the field), this means just under €350 per hectare on top of the balance. This brings the gross yield to €2.350 per hectare.
Manure contribution
In addition, an amount can be paid for spreading liquid manure. This is highly dependent on the situation and also depends the installation space and the type of manure. About €200 per hectare can be earned from this in the spring, and another €250 to €350 per hectare after the wheat harvest. This brings the gross balance to approximately €2.850 per hectare.
With a significantly lower cost price, compared to potatoes, for example, wheat cultivation can become interesting again. Wheat can certainly also become interesting compared to sugar beets. Cosun keeps hinting that the beet price will increase in the near future will decrease sooner then rise. The assignment is also likely next season reduced to 95%.
Extra benefits
In wheat cultivation, it is not only the balance that should be considered. The cultivation also has benefits for subsequent cultivation. A wheat stubble leaves behind 1.700 kilos of effective organic matter. When the straw is chopped, it is even 2.700 kilos per hectare. The importance of organic matter becomes extra clear, especially in dry times.
If we look purely at the NPK value of straw, a straw yield of €200 per hectare is the minimum. However, if the value of the effective organic matter is also taken into account, this amount approaches €400 per hectare.
After wheat cultivation is still possible a green manure are grown. Which in turn can provide benefits for subsequent cultivation. For example, wheat cultivation can also tackle root weeds. The balance of crops after wheat cultivation may be higher for these reasons. In this way, wheat cultivation can also be seen as an investment in the future.
Higher balance
The balance of the cultivation may possibly improve even further. The yields per hectare can be increased. This is evident from the grain cultivation competition in which CZAV participates. The aim of the competition is to eventually achieve a yield of 15 tons per hectare.