MGA NEWSLETTER

www.maizegrowersassociation.co.uk

MARCH 2004

 

Hall Farm, Arborfield, Reading, Berks. RG2 9HX.  Tel: 01189 761276  Fax: 01189 761451  E-mail: mga1@globalnet.co.uk

MGA TIMES

Contents of this mailing

 

·          Weed Control Without Atrazine

Simon Draper

·          MGA Nitrogen Predictor Form

·          MGA Farmer Focus – John Jackson

 

Rounded Rectangle: MGA CONFERENCE
 

 


Did you miss the Maize Conference?

Those who attended the MGA Maize Conference at the Royal Agricultural  College  on  the  25th February agreed that this was a beneficial and enjoyable day. 

Delegates heard papers on a range of subjects: -

·          Paul Fox, Farm Manager, Farmcare, Cheshire, presented highlights of his visit to the USA, New Zealand & Australia to investigate profitable dairy systems.

·          MGA’s Simon Draper reported on life after Atrazine and detailed this years Agronomy Trials plan.

·          Dr Liam Sinclair, Harper Adams University College, profiled the outcome & implications that the 'Forage Processing of Wholecrop Wheat for Milk Production' research has to offer the UK dairy industry

·          Simon Leach, Breckles Grange Farm, Norfolk, gave a video* presentation of ensiling techniques used in Holland.

 

The Conference was followed by a Tour of the College’s Elkstone Farm, whose herd comprises 300 Friesian Holstein cows yielding 9,000 litres from diets based on maize, wholecrop wheat & grass silages.

 

All papers are available via the MGA Website and on request from the office.

* Copies of the harvesting video are available from the office for a  charge of £5.

 

Rounded Rectangle: MGA AGRONOMY TRIALS 

 


MGA Agronomy Trials 2004

We will be undertaking the following small plot trials this year: -

 

Life after Atrazine

Investigating options to determine the best programme of alternative weed control for members. 

 

How to achieve an early harvested maize crop

To determine the effect of various husbandry factors on the maturity, yield and quality of the maize crop.

 

Use of seed dressings

The new seed dressings showed an advantage in improved yield and even the absence of pests and weeds in previous work.  This trial is to see whether this can be repeated in forthcoming years, particularly as Gaucho or its replacements (Cruiser or Poncho) may be required where there is an incidence of Diabrotica

 

Effect of plant loss on the yield of forage maize

To determine whether plant loss results in significant yield loss in order to help determine methods of control of Diabrotica in the future.

 

The Dairy Event incorporating National Forage Maize Days

We are pleased to announce that this year’s National Forage Maize Day (traditionally organised by CEDAR in conjunction with MGA) will be incorporated into the Dairy Event, which is being held at the NAC Stoneleigh on Wednesday 22nd and Thursday 23rd of September.

 

The National Forage Maize Days will be an integral part of the Dairy Event and will feature: -

 

Ø        Maize demonstration plots including grain maize

Ø        Forage protein demonstration crops

Ø        Commercial variety plots

Ø        Forage Maize Machinery demonstrations

 

 

Rounded Rectangle: MGA NITROGEN PREDICTORPlease note that a quantity of forage maize will be available for sale after the event, for full details please contact Richard Evans at RABDF on 01926 887477.

 

 

 

 

Text Box: Nourish with Nitrogen! The MGA Nitrogen Predictor service is free of charge to members and enables growers to be more precise when balancing the quantity of nitrogen applied with nitrogen requirement – particularly useful if you farm in an NVZ. The workings of the Predictor are based on MGA trial data and predictions are specific to individual fields. Making adjustments to the total crop N requirements according to in-depth field history generates an accurate prediction. Simply complete the enclosed form and submit to the office (many members choose to fax this to us on 01189 761451). We will return your prediction within 3 working days. Alternatively access the MGA Website, select ‘Nitrogen Predictor’ from the News section and complete the input form on screen for an instant prediction.