Early 2025 Silage Maize Harvest in Germany Under Pressure
The 2025 silage maize harvest in Germany has begun unusually early, driven by harsh weather conditions. Despite the poor harvest, prices remain under pressure, sitting below last year's levels.
The early start is due to very low soil moisture in western Germany, coupled with unusually high temperatures and persistent drought throughout the growing season. This has led to silage maize ripening earlier than usual in many regions, with maturity expected to be reached very early this year.
The equilibrium price for high-quality silage maize stands at around 24 euros/t FM or 1,200 euros/ha (gross). However, prices are currently under pressure, despite the poor harvest. Both wheat and corn prices have also taken a significant hit, falling by about 50 euros per tonne since the beginning of the year. Farmers are expected to harvest significantly less silage maize in 2025 than last year, with the harvest quantity estimated at 84 million tonnes, compared to around 91 million tonnes last year. The optimal harvest time for silage maize is when the cobs reach 32 - 35% TS.
The 2025 silage maize harvest in Germany is shaping up to be challenging for farmers, with early ripening, lower yields, and price pressure. The significantly smaller cultivation area and lower yields are expected to impact the overall harvest quantity.
