Many farmers across the country are indicating that maize crops have been particularly slow in pushing forward this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A case in point, is the fact that young seedlings have found it difficult to break through the plastic films, and even those crops that have emerged are a very pale yellow colour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is thought this is a direct result of the low temperatures that have been a feature of the Irish weather over recent weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The unseasonably cold conditions followed on from what were quite late planting dates for many forage maize crops in 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
All of this now poses the question – will maize crops have the opportunity to reach full maturity this year?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The starch content of maize silages is directly determined by the number of mature cobs produced per plant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The other issue coming into play is the harvest date, which maize growers can now target. A poor start to crop development may well push harvest dates back into the latter part of the autumn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This brings with it the distinct possibility of poorer ground conditions and precarious sowing dates for tillage farmers wishing to get subsequent winter cereals into the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Heat units are the driving force for all maize crops. So, the prospect of significantly higher temperatures impacting across Ireland over the coming days will be welcome news for growers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It has been estimated that Ireland\u2019s maize acreage has almost doubled, year-on-year. Maize has a lot to offer both Ireland\u2019s tillage and livestock sectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Up to 5,000g of slurry can be applied per acre to land dedicated for maize production. Chemical nitrogen (N) can be added, if required, in line with all relevant nitrates regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, once a crop has been planted, it\u2019s a case of closing the gate and not coming back until harvest time, for the most part.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maize crops grown in coastal some areas are subject to Eye Spot infections. This is quite easily controlled with a relevant fungicide, once crops have reached knee height. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Copper and manganese deficiencies can be an issue within maize crops growing in some locations. However, the foliar-based products required to correct this situation are relatively cheap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Last winter saw many livestock farmers, almost, running out of silage. Forage maize is regarded by a growing number of farmers as an extremely versatile and effective way of replenishing these stocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But, progress to this end will be critically dependent on the weather over the coming weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n