Forage maize crops ‘well through the plastic at this stage'

Agriland

14-05-2025

Early sown forage maize crops are a month ahead of this time last year, according to a prominent Co. Kilkenny-based agricultural contractor.
Edward Delahunty told Agriland that this is the specifically the case for maize grown under plastic.
He said: 'The crops are well through the plastic at this stage. They have established well and are now growing strongly, thanks to the current warm and dry conditions.'
The Co. Kilkenny grower is quick to claim that using plastic adds significantly to the cost of growing maize.
'It's an investment worth making,' he stressed.
'The additional heat created around the freshly planted seeds helps to boost germination rates.
'The plastic also acts to retain moisture around the newly germinated seedlings. And, again this helps to improves growth rates at the all-important early development stage of the crop.'
Delahunty noted, at that stage, most of the work entailed in growing the crops is completed.
'It's now a case of waiting to see what the harvest will bring,' he said.
The tremendous start to the 2025 maize growing season is raising hopes of a September harvest date for many crops.
The Kilkenny based contractor and farmer also grows maize without the use of plastic. And here again, the news is positive.
'The crops are well established at this stage. They will receive a herbicide over the coming days,' he said.
'Maize grown without the use of plastic will also benefit from an application of foliar nitrogen and trace elements.
'And, again, this issue will be addressed over the coming days.'
Demand for forage maize
Meanwhile demand for forage maize continues to grow at an exponential rate.
'We can't keep up with demand,' said Delahunty.
'Even farmers who would normally have enough grass silage to get them through the winter are using maize.
'They recognise its value as a valuable energy source for stock. Maize now represents an essential component of most buffer feeds.'
Recent years have seen the breeding of maize varieties that are specifically suited to the Irish climate, a process that is continuing.
Maize is also seen as a sump for large quantities of farmyard manures and slurries. Another perceived advantage of growing maize crops under Irish conditions is the minimal disease threat they encounter.
Significantly, Delahunty told Agriland that moisture stress is not an issue within any of his maize crops at the present time.
Met Éireann is predicting no significant rain in the forecast until at least the beginning of the week commencing Monday, May 26.