Where maize is main attraction

1 September 2000

Where maize is main attraction

INCREASING Profits from Maize is the theme of this years National Forage Maize Day, incorporating protein crops, jointly organised by CEDAR and the Maize Growers Association.

This year welcomes a new sponsor – The Milk Group – and the organisers are grateful for the support of farmers weekly and sponsorship of the event guide by Advanta Seeds.

It will be held at the University of Reading on Sept 7, 2000, with gates opening at 10am.

Despite the difficulties facing the industry there has been overwhelming enthusiasm to contribute to and participate in this event.

Maize continues to be the main attraction, with over 60 varieties on display, machinery demonstrations and a feature on the use of additives for maize silage.

But in response to the need for information on maximising the use of home-grown feeds, the event will also include forage protein crops, including peas, beans, lupins, sunflowers and soya. There will also be demonstrations of crimping protein crops and plenty of practical tips to enable the integration of these into your farming system.

A programme of technical seminars will focus on the latest data on practical and nutritional implications of producing and using maize silage to maximum effect. These will include information on reducing diet costs for both beef and dairy animals.

The organising committee includes maize specialists from CEDAR and the MGA, who are working to bring the vast amount of knowledge and latest developments from both research and industry together in an event not to be missed.

Timetable of events

10am Event opens.

11am Techincal seminars begin. 11.30am Harvesting demonstration.

2pm Technical seminars.

2.30pm Harvesting demonstration.

4pm Close of event.

Special exhibits

&#8226 MGA workshop assessing maize dry matter accurately – these sessions will be run throughout the day by agronomists Simon Draper and Ruth Baker.

&#8226 Harvesting machinery demonstrations – all the major manufacturers of maize harvesting equipment will be at the event, making it an ideal opportunity for producers and contractors to catch up with whats available.

&#8226 Drilling maize under plastic demonstration – how to get maize off to an early start.

&#8226 Crimping demonstration run by SAS Kelvin Cave using a Korte machine – they will crimp lupins and other protein crops on the day.

&#8226 Maize additives and their use – at harvest last year maize was treated with various additives. Check the results on display at the event.

&#8226 Protein crops – plots of various protein forage and grain crops have been grown on the site; discuss the crops on show with Advantas Martin Titley and collect a guide to the crops on display.

Technical seminar programme

Conference Room

11am & 2pm Maize Silage for Finishing Beef Cattle Prof David Beever, Director of CEDAR

11.30am & 2.30pm Options for Home-Grown Protein. John Bax,Biotal

Marquee (outside)

11am & 2pm Reducing Winter Feed Costs Using Maize. Chris Savery,Senior ADAS consultant, MGA ruminant consultant

2.30pm Maize in Our Farming System. Neil Dyson, farmer, Hollygreen Farm, Bucks.

Finding the event

CEDAR is located on the A327 between Aborfield and Arborfield Cross. The entrance is clearly marked University of Reading, CEDAR, Hall Farm and is adjacent to the River Loden.

From the M4, exit at junction 11 and take the A3270 signposted to Aborfield and Farnborough. At the first mini-roundabout turn right, at the second go straight over and follow signs for the A327 to Aborfield and Farnborough. At the next roundabout turn left. CEDAR is about half-a-mile frim the Esso garage, on the left-hand side of the road.

Warning

Please note that spectators should keep away from operating machinery and do nothing to put themselves or others at risk.