Maize watch: Warm spell boost for maturity
The warm weather in many areas of the country has helped mature maize crops rapidly, said Neil Groom, technical director of Grainseed.
“In most areas of the UK, we now have at least milky starch in the maize cobs as plant sugars are moved from the leaf into starch in the grain. The good weather has helped accelerate this and means growers in areas with little or no summer sun could still clamp maize with starch in – if they are patient.”
With good weather all crops will rapidly accumulate maturity, so it’s worth making sure your contractor can come when your crop is fit. There is at least a 10-day window between crops at 28% – the minimum for cutting – and 35% when the crop starts to get over mature, so don’t panic, Mr Groom said.
“When your crop is dry, due to drought or harvest delay, then shorten the chop length to aid consolidation in the clamp and consider using an additive to help stabilise the clamp during feedout.
“And get ready for harvesting now – clear the yard so access is easy, make sure there are no big holes in the gateways and get the clamp ready,” he said.
