The AIMI survey of New Zealand maize growers, as at October 31, 2022 is now available online.
The objective of this AIMI survey of maize growers in New Zealand (NZ) was to determine, as at October 31, 2022 :
- final figures for the 2022 harvest of maize grain and silage
- sales of the 2022 harvest of maize grain since June 1, 2022
- levels of unsold maize grain from the 2022 harvest
- sowings and sowing intentions for the current season for maize grown for grain and silage
Key Points:
• Final average yield of maize grain (11.2 t/ha) for the 2022 NZ harvest was slightly down on that obtained last season (12.0 t/ha), while final average yield of maize silage (20.9 t dry matter (DM)/ha) was similar to the 21.1 t DM/ha obtained last season.
• The estimated final total tonnage of 187,000 tonnes for the maize grain 2022 NZ harvest was 11% down on last season’s harvest tonnage (209,300 t), as the result of a reduced yield (down 6%) and a reduced harvest area (down 5%). An estimated 99.4% of the total crop had been sold as at October 31, 2022 (as compared to 97.0% sold as at June 1, 2022). This corresponds to a reduction in unsold tonnage from 5,600 t on June 1, 2022 to 1,200 t on October 31, 2022. Comparing to the same time last year, the unsold tonnage on 31 October, 2021 was zero. (Note that stocks held by merchants were not considered here).
• For maize silage, the estimated final total tonnage of 1,194,900 tonnes DM for the 2022 NZ harvest was up 2% compared to last season’s harvest tonnage (1,172,600 t DM). This was a result of a slightly decreased yield (down 1%) and an increased harvest area (up 3%).
• Spring 2022 sowings and sowing intentions for maize grain as at 31 October 2022, were estimated to be up 7% on the area harvested last season. Sowing was only 50% complete (as compared to an 8-year average of 77%) and an estimated 76% of the 2023 maize grain harvest had been forward sold. For maize silage, spring 2022 sowings and sowing intentions were estimated to be up 6% on the area harvested last season. Sowing was only 51% complete (as compared to an 8-year average of 70%) and an estimated 92% of the 2023 maize silage harvest had been forward sold.
• Sowings and growth of both crops had been affected by wet weather in several regions, and some of the intended sowings may not be made. This means that the 2023 harvest predictions are less reliable than in a more normal season.
Note: This survey only accounts for sales off farm and not what may be held by merchants.