South Bohemian corn yields expected to drop due to drought

Farmers in South Bohemia are anticipating a significant decline in corn yields compared to last year's record harvest. The impact of drought has caused inconsistent crop development, with some areas requiring early harvesting due to corn drying out in the ears. This reduction in silage corn, which is essential for cattle feed, may force livestock breeders to supplement feed with various meal types.

To address challenges in crop management and climate variability, new technological solutions are being utilized. The SAT-DMM (Satellite Dry Matter Monitoring) tool, integrated into the myKWS platform, uses multispectral satellite imagery and meteorological data to monitor dry matter content in real time. This mathematical-agronomic model helps determine the optimal harvest window—ideally between 30% and 35% dry matter—to ensure high silage quality and nutrient digestibility.

In the South Bohemian region, while cereal and rapeseed harvests are largely complete, crop distribution has shifted. Winter wheat acreage has increased, while rapeseed cultivation has seen a notable decrease compared to the previous year.