maize

The maize and sunflower harvest could be reduced by 35% this year,

Helen is a fifth-generation farmer who farms with her parents, David and Anne Shaw, husband, Craig, and their children, Alfred and Hattie, at Grey Leys Farm in the Vale of York. The farm comprises 162 hectares (400 acres) of grass, maize and wholecrop for the herd of 240 pedigree Jersey cows and more than 200 followers

Ian farms in partnership with his family near Knutsford, Cheshire. They manage 700 commercial pedigree Holstein/Friesians on 445 hectares (1,100 acres). Replacements are homereared and cows are on a composite system. Ian is a representative for Sainsbury’s Dairy Development Group and sits on the AHDB Genetics Advisory Forum

Undersowing grass into maize has many benefits, from improving soil health to maximising land use

Maize growers have faced significant weather challenges this season and drilling dates were delayed on most farms, with some reported issues with pre-emergence herbicide treatments

As maize continues to be drilled around the country, we chat to experts about the benefits of establishing an under-sown grass crop, suitable varieties, and payments available

Ian farms in partnership with his family near Knutsford, Cheshire. They manage 700 commercial pedigree Holstein/Friesians on 445 hectares (1,100 acres). Replacements are homereared and cows are on a composite system. Ian is a representative for Sainsbury’s Dairy Development Group and sits on the AHDB Genetics Advisory Forum

From Dairy Farmer editor, Katie Jones.

The winter’s remarkably wet conditions will have led to soil compaction, silting and nutrient losses

Maize could be an attractive option this spring where growers have suitable sites and a market for the crop. Farmers Guardian gets some top tips on how to get crops off to the best start