Maize plants developed a strong and active root system to help secure adequate water and nutrients to feed its rapid growth.
ADVERTISEMENT
The country’s maize area increased by 54% this year to just over 17,300ha. This increase was in part due to the late spring driving acres away from cereal crops and the anticipated fodder supply issues that were emerging.
The heat and dry weather during the summer suited this crop. Maize is better able to utilise heat and sunshine and this stood to the crop despite the conditions which appeared too hot for many other crops. Some crops did suffer though on soils and soil types that could not deliver adequate moisture to support this rapid growth.
Crops are generally in excellent condition and are on track for an early harvest.
ADVERTISEMENT
Output
This year’s maize crop is expected to produce around 330,000t of forage at 30% to 35% dry matter. This level of output could mean an additional 140,000t of maize silage this year, compared with last, to help fill part of the fodder deficit.
Maize silage has a feeding value equivalent to 70% to 72% DMD grass silage.
Register for free to read this story and our free stories.
This content is available to digital subscribers and loyalty code users only. Sign in to your account, use the code or subscribe to get unlimited access.
The reader loyalty code gives you full access to the site from when you enter it until the following Wednesday at 9pm. Find your unique code on the back page of Irish Country Living every week.
CODE ACCEPTED
You have full access to the site until next Wednesday at 9pm.
CODE NOT VALID
Please try again or contact support.
The country’s maize area increased by 54% this year to just over 17,300ha. This increase was in part due to the late spring driving acres away from cereal crops and the anticipated fodder supply issues that were emerging.
The heat and dry weather during the summer suited this crop. Maize is better able to utilise heat and sunshine and this stood to the crop despite the conditions which appeared too hot for many other crops. Some crops did suffer though on soils and soil types that could not deliver adequate moisture to support this rapid growth.
Crops are generally in excellent condition and are on track for an early harvest.
Output
This year’s maize crop is expected to produce around 330,000t of forage at 30% to 35% dry matter. This level of output could mean an additional 140,000t of maize silage this year, compared with last, to help fill part of the fodder deficit.
Maize silage has a feeding value equivalent to 70% to 72% DMD grass silage.
If you would like to speak to a member of our team, please call us on 01-4199525.
Link sent to your email address
We have sent an email to your address. Please click on the link in this email to reset your password. If you can't find it in your inbox, please check your spam folder. If you can't find the email, please call us on 01-4199525.
ENTER YOUR LOYALTY CODE:
The reader loyalty code gives you full access to the site from when you enter it until the following Wednesday at 9pm. Find your unique code on the back page of Irish Country Living every week.
SHARING OPTIONS