'Details in roughage cultivation yield too little'

De Boerenbusiness Roughage Tour follows 10 plots of maize and grass spread across the Netherlands this year. Every week we ask 1 of the participating dairy farmers about his vision and approach for this growing season. This week it is Wim Bos, dairy farmer in Zuidbroek (Groningen).

The growing season has started, how are the plots?
Fortunately, it is not as dry as last year. The grass is now starting to grow nicely, but it is not mowing early. Last year the first cut was cut on April 21, which is extremely early for us. We expect that to be two or three weeks later this year.”

“The maize fields are not being sown for the time being. The soil temperature is simply too low and the weather always determines the pace. You can want something, but just stay calm.”

Past years were very dry, are you making different choices as a grower now?
“Last year's drought did lead to one specific decision. A sand head in the grassland plot had dried out so much last year that weeds took over. To limit the pressure on weeds, it was decided to grow maize there and sow grass again the following year. We also approach the soil preparation a little more carefully, not too deep and directly over it with the power harrow.”

What is your strategy for this year?
''We use the art of omission as a strategy. What you don't buy you don't need and you don't have to pay. Some are working on a detailed level and that yields too little in my opinion. There are often many more factors that are often beyond control and that have more influence.”

''For example, I opt for KAS with fertilizer. I consciously do not add any minerals or other elements to this. We are sitting on old clay soil with defects, but I don't see any point in tackling the land myself. That causes too many losses. This is not to say that other choices are bad, but this strategy works well for our business. There is a sophisticated ration in front of the feed fence, which covers, among other things, the mineral needs."

Another important factor is the choice of variety, which varieties do you grow?
''By choosing the maize varieties, we choose to use 1 new variety. We have been using the 205 for several years now and to our full satisfaction. Last year the 207 was next to this. They performed just a little less and have therefore chosen to replace it with Emeleen. They are high quality varieties and that appeals to me.”

''We have been choosing the Havera 4 mixture for the grass mixture for years. This mixture does well on these soils and ensures high quality roughage.”

What is the reason that you participate in the Roughage Tour and what do you expect from it?
This will be our second year participating in the Boerenbusiness Roughage tour. I'm always up for projects like this. It provides a bit of awareness and self-development. You are unconsciously more involved with the cultivation and you are more on top of it. Last year I never spent so much time on my maize plot and that benefits the cultivation."

Erik van der Deure

e.vanderdeure@boerenbusiness. Nl

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