Poor weather in New Zealand drives down maize silage, grain yields

The latest Arable Industry Marketing Initiative survey of maize growers shows that the extremely wet growing season has impacted yields for both maize silage and maize grain. Wet soil conditions from frequent rain delayed drilling and some crops were flooded and had to be re-drilled. “Above average rainfall occurred throughout the growing season across New Zealand. A tropical cyclone in February bought heavy rain and winds, which flooded and flattened many crops and delayed harvest of grain crops in many North Island regions,” the report says. “In some areas, particularly the eastern region between Napier and Gisborne, entire crops have been wiped out.” The data from 87 farms across New Zealand as of June 1 this year shows an average yield of maize grain at 9.7 t/ha (including estimates for the crops yet to be harvested) – which is down on last season’s average of 11.5 t/ha. The average yield of maize silage, 19t dry matter (DM)/ha) is also down on last season (at 20.9t DM/ha). ...