If the yield of winter barley is good, then the winter wheat does not disappoint, goes a farmer's wisdom. Based on the first yield figures for winter barley, the expectations for wheat are positive. Growers and buyers across the country are positive.
Thanks to a favorable sowing moment and a mild winter, the winter cereals have developed early and well. The first shipment of barley arrived in the southwest in mid-June, although most of it was harvested at the beginning of July. The conditions were good for that. Drying is not necessary with these moisture percentages. A week later, the Central and Northern Netherlands followed with the harvest.
Good grades
As a result, the winter barley harvest in the southwest is almost complete, while further north about half has been harvested. Grain collectors are positive about the yields and quality delivered so far. "We see a spread of 7,5 tonnes – on the sandy and valley soils – to 12 tonnes on the clay," says Agrifirm's Granen Manager Aart den Bakker. "The figures in terms of hectolitre weight and falling number are also good. The protein content is reasonable. Perhaps a bit lower than average, but within the specifications."
Den Bakker is also pleased with the brewing quality of the winter barley. The probability of a premium is expected to be positive. Agrifirm has the Pixel variety in its program for this.
Winter wheat expected soon
In Limburg, the winter barley harvest is almost complete. Supplier Agrea hopes to receive the first winter wheat in its working area by the end of this week, says Arable Product Manager Carl Pijls. "The yield of the barley varies, from 6 to 7 tons on the dry sandy soil, to 10, 11 tons on the loess soil. We are satisfied with the hectolitre weights. They are in the late 60s."
Pijls does not yet dare to make any firm statements about the winter wheat. "There are still exciting weeks to come with the temperatures and drought that are now expected. It also matters whether it is an early or late variety. The late varieties of wheat can still be influenced. The flowering period has been favorable on average."
CZAV already received the first winter wheat in Zeeuws-Vlaanderen last weekend, Jurriaan Visser of the cooperative reported. "I estimate the winter barley harvest to be about 90% complete. The yield is slightly above average. That means around 10 tons per hectare, with an average hectolitre weight of 65. Those are excellent figures. The wheat is ripening fast, already the straw will still remain green. This accelerated grain ripening is not expected to have any major consequences for the yield."
Big plus for winter barley area
The area of winter barley in the Netherlands this year amounts to 10.500 hectares. That is a plus of 8% (814 hectares) compared to 2021. This means that the acreage is almost as large as in 2019 and the second largest in recent history. Since 2015, cultivation has been on the rise. It ensures spreading of the harvest, the land is free in time to use manure and to sow a green manure, and thus forms a nice pre-fruit for intensive cultivation.
With almost 2.000 hectares, most winter barley is grown in Groningen, according to data from Boerenbunder.nl. It is striking that the crop had to yield almost a quarter this year. Large percentage decreases are also visible in North Brabant, Flevoland and Zeeland. In Noord-Holland, the acreage increased by almost 50%, although it is not a matter of large quantities in hectares.
Lots of interest in grain cultivation
The grain collectors see a lot of interest for the coming season. Both for winter barley but especially also for winter wheat. In particular, the uncertain balance of sugar beet cultivation – but also chicory – means that arable farmers are more likely to look to grain as an alternative. The futures market price for September 2023 delivery is again above €300 per tonne. That offers perspective and certainty for next season. An additional advantage is the favorable effects of on the soil structure and the possibility to sow a green manure.
Other crops will also have a lot of work to do next season to come out as more interesting than wheat. Think of flax, grass seed, protein crops, but also onions. In areas where the yield has been disappointing in recent years, such as Zeeland and Limburg, growers continue to cut the cultivation. Grain is often used instead.