Production, distribution and utilisation of maize in New Zealand

Abstract

The aim of this study was to document industry information regarding the production, distribution and utilisation of maize in New Zealand’s primary and food industries.

Through the case study research approach, twenty seven maize industry specialists from around New Zealand were selected and interviewed, following their identification as key informants. Secondary information was gathered from an extensive document and literature search.

The findings show that there has been a significant upward trend in the area grown for maize silage since its introduction as a forage supplement in the early 1990s. During this same time frame the total production of maize grain has fluctuated between 150,000 tonnes and 200,000 tonnes per annum. Large discrepancies exist between industry sources in regards to industry statistics. The total area in production for the 2008/09 season is estimated to range between 67,200 hectares and 101,600 hectares.

Based on the information uncovered in the research, the 2007/08 and 2008/09 seasons the maize industry grew by 20% each season. This was fuelled by an increasing demand for maize silage in the dairy industry. Supplementary feed usage on dairy farms has increased and maize silage production now accounts for 72% of all maize area planted. The Waikato region is the largest producer of maize, producing nearly half of New Zealand’s total maize crop. The dairy industry consumes 99% of the national maize silage production.

In 2008, the livestock feed sector consumed 58% of maize grain production in New Zealand of which most enters the poultry and ruminant sectors. Food and industrial processors consumed the remaining 42%.

Large discrepancies exist between industry sources in regards to industry statistics. The size of the industry may be larger than the Foundation for Arable Research levy accounts for. Potentially there is existing revenue outstanding, which could be invested into industry good initiatives to further the industry.