3 minute read
Corson Maize Seed Production
Cleancrop Toto Turnip. to March when we planted the summer crop,” Jo explained. “When we use data from DairyNZ’s Forage Value Index (FVI), we can see that pasture is worth 17 c/kgDM in October and even more at 37 c/kgDM during the summer months. If the economic value of pasture foregone is added into the cropping cost, it equates to about 34 c/ kgDM in an average year.
“ This season was extremely dry, so pasture yields were lower than average, resulting in a cost of 27c/kgDM for the brassica crops. “Apart from stored maize we were unable to source other supplementary feed with the same megajoules of metabolisable energy (MJME) and protein levels close to that price.
Even if we had contracted Palm Kernel Extract (PKE) in at that rate we were limited by the amount we could feed, due to the potential fat evaluation index (FEI) milk quality restrictions. The crops provided good value feed for us”.
After this season’s success, Owl Farm are definitely going to continue to add brassica cropping into their summer feed supply mix. However, they will make a few adjustments to improve their approach. “We have learned that paddock selection is key,” says Tom. “Next season we will select paddocks with characteristics best suited to summer crops, rather than solely focusing on our pasture renewal strategy, in order to achieve the best results.
Content supplied by PGG Wrightson Seeds
Gisborne has a great reputation for its stunning beaches, fantastic climate and the ability to grow all things well. Also known as Tairawhiti – “the coast upon which the sun shines across the water”, it is a fantastic place for growing maize and this is why Corson Maize’ production has been based in the region for the last 70 years.
The Corson Maize seed production plant is located a short 10-minutes’ drive west of Gisborne at Matawhero. This is also where you can find the main product development and research site for Corson Maize in New Zealand. It is our leading product development site in New Zealand and is supported by other sites in each of the main regions focused on examining the performance of new hybrids. You can read more about these sites and their contribution to the advancement of hybrids in the article on Corson Maize genetics on page 10.
This is an important facility as the majority of seed provided by Corson Maize in New Zealand is grown and processed at this production site. Once the seed is produced in the field it is then harvested as a full cob with the husk on, very much like a sweetcorn cob you would buy at the supermarket.
On arrival for processing the cob has the husk removed (outer green layers) and is then sorted to remove any non-typical, diseased or damaged cobs. This is to ensure genetic purity is maintained in the line of seed.
Once de-husking and sorting has been completed the cob is then sent off for drying. Although this sounds simple it is a complex process to ensure the seed is not damaged. Every seed/kernel is alive, and the purpose of drying is to place the seed in a state of hibernation so that it can be stored. Moisture is the lifeblood to rejuvenate the seedling; and once planted in the ground it absorbs moisture which allows the transfer of hormones within the seed to send messages to drive its development and growth. After the seed on the cob has been dried it is then sent for shelling - the process of taking the individual seed off the cob. After shelling, the seed is then sized into either round or flat seed and then sorted into large, medium or small seed. This makes planting easier by enabling one seed size to be purchased.
The seed is then placed into storage during March or April and is ready for planting the following spring. Prior to being dispatched around the country the seed will have treatment applied to protect it from fungal disease, insects and birds if required.
Of course, the production plant doesn’t run by itself and there is a key dedicated team whose primary focus is to ensure that the grower receives the highest quality seed ready for planting every year.
Content supplied by Corson Maize
