Maize yield down

The maize grain yield from last season across New Zealand was down on the 2022 result and sowing for the 2023-24 crop was down by just over 50 percent when the AIMI survey result was compiled at the end of October. File picture

The final average yield of maize grain (9.8t/ha) for the 2023 New Zealand harvest was down on that obtained last season (11.5t/ha), according to the just-released AIMI survey result.
The final average yield of maize silage (19.0t dry matter (DM)/ha) was down on the 20.9t DM/ha obtained last season.
These are averages across New Zealand and there will be differences across regions, especially in areas affected by a cyclone which caused flooding and wind damage in the North Island, on top of an already wet season. 
The survey of maize growers provides details of the 2023 New Zealand maize grain and silage harvest, along with sowing intentions for the coming year.
The estimated 168,300 tonnes for the maize grain 2023 NZ harvest was 11 percent down on last season’s harvest tonnage (188,200t), as a result of a reduced yield (down 15 percent) for an increased harvest area (up 5 percent). 
An estimated 99.6 percent of the total crop had been sold as at October 31, 2023, as compared to 93.8 percent sold as at June 1, 2023. 
This corresponds to a reduction in unsold tonnage from 10,000t on June 1, 2023 to 600t on October 31, 2023. 
Compared to the same time last year, the unsold tonnage on October 31, 2022 was similar, at 700t. 
For maize silage, the estimated 1,050,300 tonnes DM for the 2023 NZ harvest was down 7 percent compared to last season’s harvest tonnage (1,128,000t DM). This was a result of a decreased yield (down 9 percent) for an increased harvest area (up 3 percent).
Spring 2023 sowings and sowing intentions for maize grain as at October 31 2023, were estimated to be up 5 percent on the area harvested last season. 
Sowing was only 51 percent complete (as compared to a 9-year average of 74 percent) and an estimated 43 percent of the 2024 maize grain harvest had been forward sold.
For maize silage, spring 2023 sowings and sowing intentions were estimated to be down 6 percent on the area harvested last season. 
Sowing was only 55 percent complete (as compared to a 9-year average of 68 percent) and an estimated 74 percent of the 2024 maize silage harvest had been forward sold.
A wet spring in the east and north of the North Island has delayed some sowings by 2-4 weeks.