This AIMI survey of maize growers provides details of the 2025 New Zealand maize grain and silage harvest, along with sowing intentions for the coming year.
Key points as at 31 October 2025: (figures have been rounded to nearest 100):
- Final average yield of maize grain (12.5 t/ha) for the 2025 NZ harvest was similar to the last season (12.7 t/ha), as was the final average yield of maize silage at 22 tonnes dry matter (DM/ha) compared to 21.9 t DM/ha obtained last season. Note that these are averages across New Zealand but there will be differences across regions.
- The estimated 210,700 tonnes for the maize grain 2025 NZ harvest was 14% down on last season's harvest tonnage (244,400 t), due to a reduction in hectares grown (16,800 ha, down 13%). An estimated 95% of the total crop had been sold by October 31, 2025, which is similar to the 10-year average of 97%. Compared to the same time last year, the unsold tonnage was 5,800 t lower at 11,500 t (down 34%). (Note that stocks held by merchants were not considered here).
- For maize silage the estimated 1,389,300 tonnes DM for the 2025 NZ harvest was up 9% (119,700 t DM) compared to last season's harvest tonnage. This was a result of an increase hectares (up 5,200 ha, up 9%). An estimated 88% of the total crop has been sold or used by October 31, 2025.
- Spring 2025 sowings and sowing intentions for maize grain, as at 31 October, 2025, were estimated to be 17,000 ha, which is up 180 ha (1%) on the area harvested last season. Sowing was 84% complete (as compared to a 10-year average of 69%) and an estimated 76% of the 2026 maize grain harvest had been forward sold.
- For maize silage, spring 2025 sowings and sowing intentions were estimated to be 60,000 ha, which is down 5% on the area harvested last season. Sowing was 59% complete (as compared to a 10-year average of 64%) and an estimated 97% of the 2026 maize silage harvest had been forward sold or for use on the growers farm.
- North Island growers reported a wet spring conditions, which have delayed paddock preparation and subsequent sowing by 2 to 4 weeks for some growers. Cut worm is an issue across all maize growing regions in the North Island, with Fall armyworm recorded in the north of the North Island and causing issues in the east of the North Island. South Island growers had a colder but drier spring.