Bill Webb of Bill Webb Feed Solutions near Te Puke said crops on lower, wetter country have performed better this year than last season when heavy rain washed out many crops on the same land.
“But on the higher, drier country the yields have proved to be quite variable. Average block yields would still be 22 tonnes a hectare but there are some on that lower country that would be up to 26t.”
He is confident there is a good supply of maize for silage across the region and he has been able to supply all orders lodged by farmers.
“We have been able to send a memo out to farmers saying we are in a position to provide more if required.”
However, supplies of quality baled grass silage are starting to get low after a good spring surplus.
“We have sold the last of our square hay bales and are just about out of baled silage. Transport costs are a big part of the cost now too.”
To truck 42 big bales to Manawatu costs about $2000 a unit and the economics of doing so have to be carefully commpared to other options like drying off cows or quitting stock.
While feed supply outlets are deemed essential industries in the covid-19 lock-down the lines are blurring about other support sectors.
“For example, we need a tyre repaired on a truck to transport some feed so we need to know if that sort of support is available.”
Waikato maize grower and ex-FAR field officer Mike Parker said yields around central Waikato are down considerably this summer.
“We are talking yields of about 18t a hectare compared to 20-21t and they are quite variable depending on where rain has fallen.”
Peat country has delivered better yields but in many areas no rain over the key growing period means crops have not developed to their full potential. It is fortunate last spring delivered such good grass surpluses with good silage supply.
However, many farmers have worked through those supplies and the next few weeks will swing on whether grass growth can pick up before temperatures cool, he said.
