As the costs of livestock feed continue to rise globally, ensuring a stable domestic supply has become a pressing concern for farmers in Japan. To address this, a recent workshop in Otofuke Town brought together approximately 70 participants, including local agricultural cooperative staff and industry professionals, to explore the cultivation and harvesting of “grain corn,” an essential ingredient for animal feed.
Organized by the Livestock Improvement Center, this educational event was held on a 2-hectare field specifically planted with grain corn. Unlike other corn varieties, grain corn focuses on utilizing only the nutrient-rich kernels, making it an efficient source of concentrated feed. Currently, Japan imports around 90% of its concentrated feed ingredients, making the push for domestic grain corn cultivation increasingly vital to buffer against global market fluctuations.
During the workshop, participants observed the entire harvesting process, which included mechanized harvesting, grinding the kernels, and sealing them for storage. Agricultural machinery manufacturers and researchers acted as instructors, showcasing practical techniques that can be adopted by local farmers.
One attendee from a local agricultural cooperative expressed optimism about the collaboration between crop and dairy farmers, stating, “If these techniques become established in crop farming, it could foster cooperation with dairy producers, enhancing overall productivity.”
Takahiro Terado from the Tokachi Livestock Improvement Center emphasized the importance of knowledge dissemination: “I hope the participants will share what they learned with other producers, leading to self-sufficiency in feed production in Tokachi.”
The workshop in Otofuke Town represents a significant step towards building a robust domestic corn production system for livestock feed. By equipping farmers with the skills and knowledge needed to grow and process grain corn, Japan can work toward reducing its reliance on imports, ensuring a stable and sustainable supply of animal feed.
