Who has corn on the cob, cooked deliciously on the BBQ? If that’s you, spare a thought for the farmers who are currently fighting with the weather to make sure they have the perfect conditions for maize sowing.
The majority of the maize you will see growing locally is grown by farmers to feed their cattle through winter, but whether it is for cattle or for supermarkets, ensuring the seed has the best possible start can be stressful:
- Firstly, choosing the right fields to grow the crop can prevent problems when it comes to harvesting. Harvesting is normally done towards the end of September/October and the field conditions can be very muddy and sticky. By choosing a field nearer to the road allows for easier access and reduces the risk of machinery getting stuck.
- The field should be well draining and fertile with a PH between 6 and 7. If the soil is not up to standard it can be improved by adding a layer of compost or fertiliser.
- Timing is essential. To make sure the seed does not die and rot away the ground temperature needs to be at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15.5 degree Celsius) and you must also be confident that we have had the last frost of the year. A hard frost after the seed has been planted can also lead to the crop dying.
So, we will be ready and waiting for the farmers to give us the go ahead for our contracting divisions as we can sow over 1,800 acres of maize over the busy season. Keep your eyes peeled for our John Deere tractors and Claas forage harvester!
If you are interested in any of our services mentioned, please contact us.
Email: info@arrichards.co.uk
Call: 01630 639888