Maize harvest is fast approaching for growers, with most crops likely coming off from late September through October, depending on the season we’ve had. After a mixed spring and summer, timing this year could be tighter than usual – so it’s worth starting to plan now rather than waiting for the last minute.
Getting the timing right
The whole plant should sit around 30-35% dry matter at cutting, with kernels reaching that hard dough to dented stage – firm, but not fully hardened off. Cut too early and you’re leaving starch and feed value in the field; leave it too long and you risk a drier crop that’s harder to consolidate properly in the clamp, with more risk of spoilage and heating once it’s stored.
Don’t rely on how the plant looks from a distance either. Leaves can still look reasonably green even when the cobs are ready, so get out and check kernels regularly from mid-September onwards rather than judging by eye across the field.
A few things worth doing now
- Line up your contractor early. Weather windows can close fast this time of year, and everyone’s chasing the same slots. A quick call now beats a scramble in three weeks.
- Walk your fields. Check dry matter and kernel stage across different parts of the field, not just one spot – variation across a field is common and can catch people out.
- Sort your clamp before the crop arrives. Make sure it’s clean, sheets and weights are ready, and there’s a plan for who’s doing what on the day.
- Fill fast and consolidate well. Thin layers, good rolling, and minimal air pockets all help lock in quality from day one.
- Sheet promptly. Every hour a clamp sits open once filling’s finished is an hour it’s losing quality.
- Keep an eye on the forecast. A wet spell can push things back a week or more, so build some flexibility into your plans where you can.
Thinking beyond the clamp
Once the maize is off, a lot of growers start thinking about what the ground does next – whether that’s straight back into a rotation or reseeded for grass. If reseeding is on your radar for this autumn or next spring, it’s worth having a conversation with the team at RBC Agri about seed mixes suited to your soil type and how you’re planning to use the ground.
And once your maize is safely in the clamp, getting the ration right is the next job. If you’d like a hand working through clamp management or ration planning for the season ahead, give the Dugdale team a call on 01200 420200 – we’re always happy to talk it through. Alternatively, call RBC Agri direct on 01642 909080.
