Late sown maize ‘could help grass shortfall’

POOR grass means dairy farmers should consider taking their first cut of silage and then cultivating the land for a June-sown maize crop.

Cold soils mean the season is about three weeks behind at the moment, according to Neil Groom of forage specialists Grainseed.

“Predictions are that, on average, producers will get around 20t/ha (8t/acre) freshweight yield from their first cuts this year,” suggests Neil Groom of forage specialists Grainseed.

“In addition, second and third cuts are unlikely to yield more that 10t/ha (4 t/acre) and 7.5t/ha (3t/acre) respectively, so first cut will probably account for more than half of your total silage cut this year.”

In contrast, a maize crop sown after the first cut in place of second and third cuts, will yield around 42t/ha (17t/acre) freshweight plus there’s the added advantage of the extra starch, says Mr Groom.

Most people seem to think first cut will be around 20th May this year, so allowing for ploughing, flat-lifting and preparation, growers will be looking at early June for sowing the extra maize, but this late sowing will present few problems, he adds.

“Sowing in June is fine – there’ll be a lot of heat in the soil by then and establishment will be very quick and growth will quickly make up for the later sowing. Harvest will be around mid October for most areas of the country.”

Growers considering the late-sowing approach should use three rules to ensure a high yielding crop that finishes properly and produces maximum starch content, Mr Groom says.

Firstly, growers should select varieties three maturity classes above those you would normally choose for your region. In southern England, for example, farmers should be thinking about a group 8 variety like Ballade.

Secondly, growers should reduce seed rates from a conventional 45,000 seeds/ha to 42,000 seeds/ha. This gives each plant more room and encourages better maturity.

Finally, Mr Groom recommends using Poncho seed dressing.

“This not only reduces the risk of wireworm and leatherjacket damage, particularly if you’re using established leys, it also encourages plant growth to help produce higher yields and optimum maturity.”