A USEFUL CROP

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28750, 22 November 1958, Page 9

A USEFUL CROP

Maize For Green Feed

In the dairying districts of Canterbury the growing of maize for green feed is gaining increasing popularity among dairy farmers. especially for town milk supply Milk production is well maintained on the green, leafy stalks, and crops not required for summer feeding can be used for silage.

As a supplementary fodder, green feed maize can be fed in situ or can be cut and carted out to cattle during the dry months of January and February.

The Department of Agriculture says maize should be sown after all risk of frost damage h;v* nassrd. From November to earlv December is recommended as a suitable sowing time in Canterbury

The crop is best suited to a deep andy loam containing ample organic matter. Early deep ploughng with a winter fallow is necesary for producing maximum

yields Crops should be drilled in 7in rows or broadcast and disced in at a sowing rate of 1' to 2 bushels an acre (though lower rates may be satisfactory).

The most suitable varieties in order of merit arc the American hybrids W 643 and Pfister 360 and the open pollinated types. Marigold and Hickory King. When hybrid maize is being sown for green feed it is more economical to use seed once removed from certified hybrid seed in preference ‘o certified double-cross hybrid seed.

Weeds, particularly fat-hen, can ’bo troublesome during the early stages of crop growth. These can be readily controlled by spraying when the fat-hen is young with M.C.P A. at ?lb acid equivalent or 2.4-DB or M.C.P B at 11b avid equivalent an acre.