For Many North Island Maize Growers The 2022/23 Season Has Been One To Forget, And For Some It Has Been A Financial Disaster

For many North Island maize growers the 2022/23 season has been one to forget, and for some it has been a financial disaster. The latest Arable Industry Marketing Initiative or AIMI report estimates a maize grain harvest of 164,400 tonnes, which is 13% down on 2022, despite a 4% increase in harvest hectares. Yield was down 16%. Federated Farmers Arable Vice-President Maize Jamie Blennerhassett says at the June 1st survey date 37% of the crop was still unharvested and the 10-year average for completed crop harvest by the start of June is 79%. He says the very wet growing season meant it has been a bad season across the wider country. Maize grain crops in Northland, Bay of Plenty, the East Coast and right down to the Wairarapa are only at about 50% of long-term averages. Maize silage crops fared better. The harvest, at an estimated 1,051,600 tonnes, was down 7% compared to 2022, Most maize grain is sold for poultry and pig feed, with some going to dairy.