Early harvesting of silomais takes place in 2025, yielding small quantities, with prices for the crop remaining low
In many regions across Germany, the silage maize harvest has started earlier than usual, with some farmers already harvesting in mid-August. This early start is attributed to the weather conditions of the past months, particularly the low soil moisture levels in western Germany.
The harvest volume of silage maize in 2025 is projected to be 84 million tonnes, a decrease from about 91 million tonnes in the previous year. German farmers are expected to harvest less silage maize compared to the previous year, with a reduction in cultivation area and lower yields due to weather conditions.
The early maturity of the crops is expected to result in an extremely small silage maize harvest. This, combined with the current market conditions, is causing challenges for farmers who want to sell their silage maize. Prices for silage corn, as well as for grain corn and wheat, are currently below last year's levels, with both wheat and grain corn prices having fallen by about 50 euros per tonne since the beginning of the year.
The corn price calculator of LWK Lower Saxony takes into account production costs, but these have limited influence on the actual price formation. The experts of the chamber point out that the equilibrium price calculation is based on production costs, which may not accurately reflect the actual price formation.
To avoid missing the optimal harvest time of 32 - 35% DM in silage maize, farmers should closely monitor their stocks. Normally developed stocks without significant drought influences achieve a DM content in the silages of about 32% at this physiological stage, with higher DM contents to be expected for cob-accentuated varieties or high-cut. However, the stocks in the south and east of Lower Saxony had already reached DM contents in the cobs of early varieties of 45% by August 19.
The lack of a comprehensive market for silage corn means that buyers and sellers must calculate their own costs to know their negotiating room. Current prices for high-quality silage corn in Germany are not explicitly stated in the available search results, and no direct price comparison to the previous year is provided. However, market conditions suggest that input costs such as fertilizer prices are rising due to new tariffs and regulatory changes as of 2025, which may affect prices.
In most regions, the silage maturity is expected to be reached very early, with only medium-late varieties likely to reach the harvest window after mid-September. The silage maize harvest should begin when 55% DM is reached in the cobs, which was already the case at the end of August with the current weather.
Despite these challenges, farmers must adapt to these circumstances and make strategic decisions to ensure the best possible outcome for their silage maize crops and businesses.
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