All maize sampling sites have moved forward in maturity and harvesters are cutting across the south coast and up into the good areas of maize in the Midlands and East Anglia.

The exception is the SAC site, but it did increase by 4.8% last week, says Grainseed technical manager Neil Groom.

Some other maize crops have been drying down rapidly in recent weeks, adds Maize Growers Association agronomist Simon Draper. “I have seen early drilled crops increased by 4% in a week. So growers who think crops are a long way off should go and have another look. It may be fit.”

When it is ready, Mr Groom advises checking the chop length in first trailer loads delivered to the clamp. “The ideal chop length is 20mm to ensure that maize provides some structural fibre in the diet.

“It is no longer necessary to pulverise maize since modern harvesters have corn crackers inside which ensure every grain is bruised. This ensures that the cow can digest all the starch present in the grain.”

FW/GRAINSEED MAIZE HARVEST COUNTDOWN

* Variety Nancis, all other sites are Soldier.