Top yields like last year, harvested under ideal conditions, are not achieved. But the large grain intake companies are not dissatisfied with the progress of the grain harvest so far.
The winter barley has been largely harvested throughout the Netherlands. Below-average hectoliter weights are reported here and there, says CZAV sales manager Bram de Visser. Ambiguity has also been observed, as a result of the abrupt transition from extremely dry conditions to changeable weather with quite a lot of rain from time to time.
Winter barley has done well
Weather conditions again had a major influence on grain cultivation, as has been usual in recent years. De Visser: "I have the impression that the winter barley has produced a good yield and quality because it was sown earlier than the winter wheat. After mid-October it was already too wet last year. As a result, I have lower expectations for the winter wheat."
The winter wheat harvest is really getting underway in many places this week. According to Aart den Bakker, sales manager at Agrifirm Plant, there is a clear division in the circumstances between the North and South of the Netherlands. "In the north there is a shower here and there and only sparse threshing takes place. In the south the harvest is now really getting underway." Den Bakker is also not yet seeing the top yields of last year. The grain suffered from moisture deficiency in many places during earing. "Fortunately, the major concerns about yields from a month ago have disappeared thanks to the rain." Den Bakker expects the harvest of summer grains to start next week.
Selling for daily price?
Expert Henny Vermeulen, from AgruniekRijnvallei Plant, takes into account that it will be 'stealing time' in the coming weeks to harvest the grain with the correct moisture content. "Until now we have received grain with 14-15% moisture. Just as we like to see." Vermeulen estimates that the grain harvest for the cooperative East Dutch company, in livestock, feed, arable farming and horticulture, will be 10-15% lower than last year. Given the rising trend in grain prices, he does not rule out that growers may decide to sell their grain on the daily market for daily prices of more than €170 per tonne instead of participating in the pool prices.