How maize will be harvested and managed will be crucial to preserving its quality as farmers enjoy one of the best maize silage seasons in years.
Cyclone Gabrielle and atrocious weather decimated a lot of last year’s maize crops.
Fast-forward 12 months and the central and northern North Island have produced excellent crops with farmers expecting yields in the high 20 tonnes per hectare.
Canterbury and the Central Plateau are also producing record yields.
SealesWinslow nutrition and quality manager Paul Drew says as harvesting gets underway, many factors can influence maize silage quality, from the chop length to kernel integrity and how you manage your stack.
“Harvest time, longer chop lengths and cracked kernels enhance the availability of nutrients, while proper stack management, including drainage and covering, prevents spoilage and mold growth.
“Farmers should consider their maize silage harvest timing carefully. Maize silage should be harvested when whole plant dry matter is approximately 35%.
“An indicator of this is where the milk line is two-thirds of the way down the kernel. To confirm this, a sample should be tested, using a suitable method or in a laboratory. “Harvesting at the right time ensures a better silage yield, maximizing starch content and promotes good fermentation through the ensiling process.”
Farmers should aim for a chop length of around 15-20mm for the best packing density in the stack and fermentation. Using well-maintained forage harvesters with sharp blades will also achieve a clean cut and minimise kernel damage, Drew says.
This article first appeared in our sister publication, Dairy Farmer.
