Skip to Navigation | Skip to Content



To contact one of our “Forage for Profit” team, call the Seed Office on 01769 576232
or Graham Ragg on 07798 583667 or email info@molevalleyfarmers.com.

Mole Valley Farmers maize trials highlight the best varieties

This year we undertook our most extensive maize trials, at 4 sites on Cornwall/Devon border, Somerset, Dorset and Wales. Over the 4 sites we assessed over 30 varieties from 5 different breeders. Traits such as early vigour, lodging resistance and cob maturity were carefully measured. Harvesting started on the 25 September at Bridgwater, our most favourable site and was completed on 27 October on the Cornwall site. Yields, dry matter and starch percentage were evaluated.  Graham Ragg, Mole Valley Farmers Arable and Fertiliser Sales Manager said ‘2009 had been a better growing season for maize, including the trial plots, but due to another wet July and August the harvest was again delayed,  particularly in the far west. The trend over the last 4 or 5 years has largely been for farmers to select earlier varieties without sacrificing yield. Three varieties had stood out across the trials, Acclaim, Kaspian and Kougar which have already gained in popularity for 2010 plantings’. The trial plots are a key part of the advice and service Mole Valley Farmers provides to its maize growers. The bespoke Mole Valley Farmers maize package includes soil analysis and fertiliser recommendations, variety and seed rate advice, harvesting and ensiling advice, feeding strategies as well as advice by BASIS qualified agronomists on weed, pest and disease control.

MVF Top Tips to Maize Growing

  • Where possible select fields with a sheltered southerly aspect and avoid those where Eyespot was present last year.
  • Choose the right variety to suit your farm and growing conditions
  • Soil test to ensure the correct soil nutrients
  • Use MVF Forage Services for fertiliser recommendations
  • Prepare a firm, fine seedbed
  • Drill from mid April onwards to end May
  • Protect against weeds and diseases with advice from Mole Valley Farmers BASIS qualified agronomists
  • Harvest when starch and dry matter levels reach the right levels
  • Manage your clamping and feeding out to minimise nutrient and DM losses

The higher the maturity class score the earlier the harvest will be. Other varieties will be available. This spring Mole Valley Farmers have produced a complete guide to growing maize. For your copy or for further details please call the Seed Office on 01769 576232 or Graham Ragg on 07798 583667.
 


Contact us at MVF if you need more help >>

Back to top