AIMI Survey: Maize areas and volumes - October 31 2021
Key Points as at 31 October 2021 (figures have been rounded to nearest 100):
• Final average yield of maize grain (11.7 t/ha) for the 2021 NZ harvest was similar to that obtained last season (11.8 t/ha), whereas final average yield of maize silage (21.1 t dry matter (DM)/ha) was slightly up on the 20.3 t DM/ha obtained last season.
• The estimated final total tonnage of 215,000 tonnes for the maize grain 2021 NZ harvest was 13% up on last season’s harvest tonnage (190,100 t), as the result of a similar yield and an increased harvest area (up 14%). An estimated 100% of the total crop had been sold as at October 31, 2021 (as compared to 99.7%, or 700 tonnes, unsold on June 1, 2021). This was identical to the unsold tonnage (also zero) on 31 October, 2020 (note that stocks held by merchants were not considered here).
• For maize silage, the estimated final total tonnage of 1,163,800 tonnes DM for the 2021 NZ harvest was down 5% compared to last season’s harvest tonnage (1,222,600 t DM). This was a result of an increased yield (up 4%) and a reduced harvest area (down 8%).
• Spring 2021 sowings and sowing intentions for maize grain as at 31 October 2021, were estimated to be down 10% on the area harvested last season. Sowing was 77% complete and an estimated 60% of the 2022 maize grain harvest had been forward sold. For maize silage, spring 2021 sowings and sowing intentions were estimated to be up 2% on the area harvested last season. Sowing was 59% complete and an estimated 89% of the 2022 maize silage harvest had been forward sold.
• Sowings of both crops had been held up by wet weather in several regions. Some crops had been flooded and there was uncertainty whether these would recover or need to be re-sown, and if these delayed sowings would incur yield penalties.