This year’s corn harvest began around August 15, with average moisture below the SRPS quality standard of 14.5%. It is interesting that this is the first year when in many localities the corn harvest started before the sunflower harvest. In certain areas and regions, the harvest is already nearing its end, while in other places it has reached halfway.
Due to the lack of rainfall in the previous two months and consistently high temperatures, yields are far below average. According to Miloš Nikšić from the company Nikša Agrar, yields range from 1-2 tons per acre, while only in rare places yields of 5-6 tons per acre are reached.
These isolated cases of high yields occur in parts of western Bačka and Srem, where favorable microclimatic conditions are combined with good agricultural techniques. However, in general, yields in the regions of Banat and northern Bačka remain at a low level of 1-2 tons per acre.
In addition to low yields, the quality of corn is also not satisfactory. The grain is smaller in size and mostly below the optimal percentage of moisture, which increases grain breakage during harvesting and handling.
Also, an elevated level of aflatoxin was observed in certain parts, which represents an additional complication in the sale of corn. Production organizers are forced to take over all goods from producers due to debt relief, but often face problems when aflatoxins are detected only at the unloading point, leading to truck returns and additional costs.
Less corn – and the quality decreases!
In addition to problems with yield and quality, the price of corn is also not at a satisfactory level. Although it is slightly higher than last year, it ranges from 18.5 dinars per kilogram to 19.5 dinars per kilogram including VAT, depending on daily price movements, quantities and regions. This price cannot cover all the challenges faced by farmers, and Miloš Nikšić warns that farmers and the market will probably be in the red.
Due to low yields, poor grain quality, high levels of aflatoxins and low prices, most agricultural producers will operate corn in the negative this year. Few will be able to make any profit from this culture, which is the most represented in Serbia. Despite this, producers will have to deal with the challenges brought by the dry year and unfavorable market conditions, concludes Nikšić.
This year has shown how crucial climatic and market conditions are for successful production. This year’s corn harvest began around August 15, with average moisture below the SRPS quality standard of 14.5%. And corn, although a basic field crop, faces many obstacles.
Source: Good morning
Source: boljazemlja.com
