Should we be concerned about falling global grain stocks?
Openfield experts explore the global grain deficit, and planning ahead for your summer-sown cover crop.
US Department of Agriculture numbers show a 37 million tonne deficit in combined world wheat, barley, maize and rice, resulting in global stocks dropping to levels last seen in 2015/16.
As the world will still have 747 million tonnes of stocks, many won’t worry, but it’s a focus for many governments, writes Openfield head of research, compliance and shipping, Cecilia Pryce.
Feeding a nation is one thing, but the price you do it for and reliance on imports is important. The world must go back to 2017/18 when it had an excess of supply, and that was just 22 million tonnes. Since then, it’s been pretty much production equals consumption, with stocks remaining relatively flat.
Some may say this is good, implying little or no waste and relatively high cereal prices. Either way uncertainty adds to volatility and, with the increased uncertainty around climate change and the direct impact on crop sizes, we need to identify how to invest and approach climate resistant agriculture, at farm level or nationally, while balancing environmental requirements. From a UK perspective, the farming sector also needs reasons to make investments for the future.
Planning ahead for SFI
A fast-growing multi-species cover crop can be established straight after harvesting a cash crop and attracts an SFI payment of £163/ha. To maximise the benefits, thought needs to be put into the seed mixture, explains Openfield environmental technical advisor Delyth Gilman. Time and rate of drilling, previous and following crop, pests and soil nutrients are some of the main factors but environmental factors play a role too, especially when it comes to soil moisture.
In summer-sown crops, minimal soil disturbance is recommended and rolling after sowing will improve seed-to-soil contact, help retain moisture and give the seed a better chance of establishing. Using a diverse mix will give a wider flowering window, different rooting depth and structures, a varied canopy and the biomass will provide greater benefit to soil fauna. A fast-establishing mix is essential: phacelia, buckwheat, mustard and tillage radish will all achieve this but adding clover or vetch will fix nitrogen and forage rye will scavenge nutrients, further benefitting the following crop.
Using a multi-species mix also brings a valuable source of pollen and nectar to insects, birds and other mammals and at the same time increasing beneficial predators. Consideration should also be given to the termination of the crop. The timing and method are important as some species need to be terminated before they set seed so as to avoid potential future problems. Depending on the species, termination can be done through mowing, rolling, or herbicide application. A cover crop can bring many benefits from preventing soil erosion, run-off, adding organic matter and reducing leaching to name but a few, but long-term use of cover crops will bring other benefits to the farm business in reduced fertiliser and pesticide costs, thus improving farm income, increasing soil health, fertility and productivity.
