WHENMAIZEISTOPCHOICE
WHENMAIZEISTOPCHOICE
MAIZE, not grass, is the order of the day for cows in Severn Trent Waters herd. Produced at a cost of less than £10/t, it is a far more reliable crop than grass in this low rainfall area, says herd manager John Jackson.
"Soil is sandy loam and annual rainfall is in the mid 20in range. Grass doesnt grow well here and cows only graze for five hours a day in summer."
Having 180ha (450 acres) of maize to harvest each year allows competitive contracting prices to be negotiated, says Mr Jackson. "We negotiate three years ahead which allows both us and the contractor to budget with confidence."
This years maize crop has been harvested in two batches in mid and late October. Yield is 38t/ha (15t/acre) (see below). *
WHENMAIZEISTOPCHOICE
MAIZE, not grass, is the order of the day for cows in Severn Trent Waters herd. Produced at a cost of less than £10/t, it is a far more reliable crop than grass in this low rainfall area, says herd manager John Jackson.
"Soil is sandy loam and annual rainfall is in the mid 20in range. Grass doesnt grow well here and cows only graze for five hours a day in summer."
Having 180ha (450 acres) of maize to harvest each year allows competitive contracting prices to be negotiated, says Mr Jackson. "We negotiate three years ahead which allows both us and the contractor to budget with confidence."
This years maize crop has been harvested in two batches in mid and late October. Yield is 38t/ha (15t/acre) (see below). *
Severn Trent Water
maize costs
ha
Yield 38t/ha
Income
Area aid £88
Expenditure
Cultivation £115
Seed £115
Sprays £53
Forager £55
Haulage £38
Clamping £38
Total £414
Cost/t £8.58
Roll, roll, roll, is the secret of good maize silage, according to John Jackson.