Latest News

For everything Ruralco and Real Farmer

19Mar

Growing a successful maize crop in Mid Canterbury

THIS PROMOTIONAL FEATURE WAS PROVIDED BY PIONEER

Jason and Clare Nish have successfully grown maize in Mid Canterbury over the past ten years. 

In the spring edition of Real Farmer, we covered why Jason and Clare Nish use maize on their 185ha 630 cow dairy farm. This article explores the challenges of growing maize and outlines the strategies implemented in partnership with Ruralco and Pioneer to grow a successful maize crop. 

This spring, Jason planted 10.5 hectares of maize into a sprayed-out paddock of Italian ryegrass and cultivated it to create a nice fire seed bed. A precision planter was used to plant the crop on the 25th of October at a sowing rate of 115,000 plants per hectare. “Over the years, I’ve tried and tested several varieties, but this year, I chose to plant P8333,” said Jason. He explained that he always tries to keep up with the latest advancements in genetics to ensure he uses the best hybrid. 

During the establishment phase, the crop faced a weed challenge. However, Melinda Driscoll, Ruralco’s Senior Dairy Specialist, assisted by making a spray recommendation that effectively controlled both broadleaf and grass weeds. Melinda emphasises the importance of conducting regular crop checks during the establishment phase to promptly identify and address potential challenges. 

Jason followed a fertilisation plan tailored to meet the crop’s specific needs. The fertiliser was divided into three separate applications, with the first applied as a base fertiliser at the planting time. The remaining two nitrogen applications were split and applied after the establishment of the crop, ensuring optimal growth and development. 

Rachel Bell, Pioneer’s Canterbury Area Manager, inspected the crop with Jason as it was tasselling earlier in the year. Rachel commented, “Weather conditions have been ideal with plenty of rain. Despite the early weed pressure, the crop is looking great and should be on track to yielding between 22–25 tDM/ha”. Based on how the crop is moving through its growth stages, it should be ready for harvest around early to mid-April. 

In the last couple of years, new shorter-maturity hybrids have been introduced in the South Island. This new trend is proving to be highly beneficial for farmers as these crops are more consistent and ready for harvest earlier, allowing grass planting in the Autumn. 

To learn more about the best practices for growing maize, contact your local Ruralco or Pioneer representative, who will provide all the necessary information.

Back to Real Farmer

Related

New solutions for forage brassica weeds and pests

New solutions for forage brassica weeds and pests

Weed competition can have a significant detrimental effect on brassica yield from very early in the ...

Read More
Building a sweet legacy in the high country

Building a sweet legacy in the high country

Ben Mee has replaced the buzz of chopper blades with a very different sort of buzz as he and his wif...

Read More
Feed run to the Hawkes Bay drought affected farmers

Feed run to the Hawkes Bay drought affected farmers

There is a small group here in Mid Canterbury organising a feed run to the Hawkes Bay drought affect...

Read More
Changes afoot in resource management and rules help build water resilience

Changes afoot in resource management and rules help build water resilience

The government is currently discussing several proposed relaxations on resource management rules. Th...

Read More
Ruralco scoops double win in gender diversity awards

Ruralco scoops double win in gender diversity awards

The team at Ruralco are extremely proud that more than 60 per cent of their people represent gender ...

Read More
A sustainable legacy from out of the blue and into the green

A sustainable legacy from out of the blue and into the green

A Christchurch family fishing company has placed one foot in the sea and another on the land with th...

Read More




Account Selector