The myth that forage maize is a marginal crop in Ireland could well be exploded over the coming weeks, if certain conditions are met.
Growers up and down the country are estimating that record yields could well be achieved in 2025.
In tandem with this, many harvest dates could be brought forward to September, which will be a bonus for tillage farmers who want to follow the forage crop with winter wheat.
Co. Down grower, Allan Chambers, told Agriland that his maize crops have never looked better for this time of the year.
Chambers said: “Establishment conditions were perfect. Subsequent to this, crops got the heat and the rain when they needed it.
“Above all else, maize needs warm conditions throughout the growing season. And 2025 has delivered this requirement in abundance up to this point.
Co. Kilkenny tillage farmer and contractor, Edward Delahunty agrees:
He said: “Our maize crops are looking tremendously well at the present time. And let’s hope this remains the case through to harvest.”
Maize
Both farmers are growing maize as a cash crop, targeting dairy and livestock farmers in their own localities and beyond.
According to Delahunty: “Dairy and beef farmers are recognising the value of forage maize as a high energy:/high-value feed source.
“And after they have used it the furst time, they will keep coming back for more of it.”
He produces forage maize bales using a static compaction system.
“The bales can be more easily transported over longer distances.,” Delahunty said
“But we also have farmers sending lorries with forty-foot trailers down to the yard and having them filled with maize from our clamps.
“Demand for the crop just continues to grow.”
Meanwhile, Chambers views maize crops as a valuable sump for slurry and other organic manures.
Recent years have seen the breeding of maize varieties that are more suited to Ireland’s temperate climate.
And this trend is likely to gain further momentum during the period ahead.
There is also general recognition to the effect that new compostable films, while more expensive, are giving maize crops a much better start.
In addition, the use of foliar-applied fertilisers and trace element mixes is helping to further boost crop growth rates.
Significantly, maize crops grown in Ireland are not subject to significant disease pressure as is the case with cereals and, increasingly, grass crops.
