Crop Action: Issue 2 2023

Between 2005 and 2020 FAR conducted 38 trials investigating tillage establishment methods for maize production. Most were analysed at the individual site/trial level. Maize update 93 discusses insights gained from aggregating all of this trial data. It includes information on the effects of crop establishment methods on established plant populations, maize yields and, where available, associated gross margins.

This report discusses the effects of maize establishment methods on established plant populations, maize yields, and associated gross margins. It is based on the findings of 38 FAR maize tillage and establishment trials between 2005 and 2020.

Harvest Snippets provides a harvest season summary of the Cultivar Performance Trials. Find all the 2025/2026 season harvest snippets here.

Start checking maize crop maturity about three weeks prior to when you think you’ll be starting your silage harvest. Good quality maize silage is best made when whole plant dry matter is between 30-40%

Crop Action keeps you up to date with arable crop development and actions right across New Zealand.

This is the handout from a field day hosted by the Stobie family, Gordonton, Waikato on 4 February 2026.

Crop Action keeps you up to date with arable crop development and actions right across New Zealand.

Crop Action keeps you up to date with arable crop development and actions right across New Zealand.

Crop Action keeps you up to date with arable crop development and actions right across New Zealand.

Stem rust (Puccinia graminis subsp. graminicola) is the most damaging of the ryegrass diseases. This update discusses how different fungicide programmes and timings affect seed yield. It compares early versus late applications and offers practical advice to help growers improve rust control and maximise returns.