Silage maize harvest shows large regional differences

In the east and northeast of the Netherlands, the results were predominantly positive. Provinces such as Groningen, Overijssel, and Gelderland benefited from a favorable combination of sufficient rainfall and moderate summer temperatures. Maize developed well there, with strong cob set and above-average yields per hectare. These regions achieved a high-quality harvest with sufficient starch.

In the south, it remained relatively dry. Yields were correspondingly high. Consequently, the southern regions achieved the lowest yields. Limburg and Zeeland lagged behind in terms of yields, but even in the largest maize province – North Brabant – yields remained below the national average.

According to Statistics Netherlands (CBS), the final estimate for the silage maize harvest is slightly higher than the provisional estimate published in October of last year. According to the new figures, a national average of 47,2 tons per hectare was harvested. In October, the estimate was 46,5 tons. It also appears that there were slightly more hectares than the October survey indicated.

Noord-Nederland
All in all, production is therefore higher at 8,7 million tons. This quantity is 1,7% higher than the preliminary estimate. The difference compared to the severely disappointing harvest in 2024 has thus increased to 14,5%. Yields were particularly much higher in Groningen and North Holland than in 2024. At 47,6 tons, the corn harvest in North Holland was 12 tons higher than the previous season, while in Groningen the difference was 11,2 tons per hectare.

But within regions, there were also significant differences. Soil type, water management, and variety selection increasingly determine the final result. While silage maize yielded a strong harvest in some regions, growers elsewhere faced lower yields and variable quality.