Any maize still standing should be harvested now before it is affected by frosts, warns Neil Groom, technical manager for Grainseed.

“Patience has definitely paid off this year, with crops reaching full maturity in this Indian summer.

“Early analyses show high starch levels due to high grain content. But crops prematurely cut have resulted in lower dry matters than the optimum 30% and these will require careful balancing, particularly when grass silage is wet as well,” he says.

Anyone growing grain maize for combining to crimp or for drying should also look at their crops, believes Mr Groom. Early drilled crops along the south coast will thresh out easily now.

When drying, ensure grain is brought down to 15% moisture content within 36 hours to prevent mycotoxin or mould growth on the grain.