By Farming South Africa
Introduction
For livestock farmers, feed is the single biggest input cost. Choosing the right crop to grow or buy can directly impact your bottom line. Two popular options in South Africa are Lucerne and Maize. But which one truly gives you the better return on investment (ROI)?
Let’s compare them in terms of cost, nutrition, yield, and market flexibility — with South African conditions in mind.
1. Nutritional Value: What Are You Feeding?
Lucerne (Alfalfa):
- High in protein (16–22%) and calcium
- Ideal for dairy cows, goats, and sheep
- Excellent as a full-feed or supplement
- Can be fed dry (hay), silage, or fresh
Maize (Corn):
- High in energy/carbohydrates, low in protein
- Better suited for fattening beef cattle and as an energy booster
- Often combined with protein sources like soybean meal
Verdict:
Lucerne is better for milk production and growth, while maize is better for energy and fattening.
2. Yield per Hectare
Lucerne:
- Requires good irrigation and deep, well-drained soils
- Can yield 10–20 tons/ha of dry matter annually under irrigation
- Can be harvested multiple times per season (4–8 cuts)
Maize:
- Grows well in most areas with 500 mm+ rainfall or irrigation
- Yields 8–12 tons/ha grain, or 20–40 tons/ha silage (wet mass)
- Planted once per year
Verdict:
Lucerne offers more frequent harvests, while maize provides a larger bulk per harvest, especially as silage.
3. Input Costs and Management
Lucerne:
- Higher establishment costs (R6,000–R10,000/ha)
- Lasts 3–5 years with proper care
- Needs cutting, drying, and baling equipment
- Sensitive to pH (prefers 6.5–7.5) and root diseases
Maize:
- Annual crop; costs R7,000–R12,000/ha depending on fertiliser and irrigation
- Requires regular weed and pest control
- Mechanised planting and harvesting more common
Verdict:
Lucerne may have higher startup costs, but once established, it can be more economical over time.
4. Feeding Flexibility and Storage
Lucerne:
- Easily stored as hay for long periods
- Can be fed year-round
- Preferred by small-scale and mixed livestock farmers
Maize:
- Requires silo or trench storage for silage
- Maize grain must be milled or cracked for ruminants
- Bulkier storage needs and risk of spoilage
Verdict:
Lucerne wins for ease of storage and versatility, especially for smaller or diversified farms.
5. Market Demand and Saleability
Lucerne:
- High demand among horse owners, goat and dairy farmers
- Can be sold as hay bales or fresh bundles
- Fetches a premium in dry months
Maize:
- Stable national demand, especially for feedlots and commercial operations
- Easier to offload in bulk, but prices are more volatile
Verdict:
Lucerne can offer higher prices per ton, while maize is better for bulk sales to larger operations.
Conclusion: Which Crop Has the Better ROI?
| Factor | Lucerne | Maize |
|---|---|---|
| Protein content | High | Low |
| Energy content | Moderate | High |
| Harvest frequency | 4–8 times/year | Once/year |
| Input cost | Moderate (multi-year) | High (annual) |
| Storage | Easy | More complex |
| Saleability | High in small markets | High in bulk markets |
Bottom Line:
- For small to medium-scale livestock farmers (dairy, goats, sheep): Lucerne offers a better ROI, especially if you can produce and bale it yourself.
- For large-scale beef or feedlot operations: Maize may be more economical when grown and processed in bulk, or when used in combination with protein feeds.
Thinking of Switching?
Try planting a trial plot of each and track your own yield, feed performance, and costs for one season. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but careful observation leads to smart decisions.