Tuesday 16thFebruary 2010 at 10am
FAR Waikato Arable Research Site
82 Oaklea Lane, (behind Mellow Manor), Tamahere, Hamilton
On Tuesday 16thFebruary 2010, the Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) will reveal the latest in maize research at ‘MAIZE 2010'. FAR's major field event held in Hamilton.
This event is held annually at the established FAR Waikato Arable Research Site and gives New Zealand maize growers the opportunity to see the latest developments in maize research which they can take away and implement in their own farming businesses.
"We have allowed for a broad range of current topics to be covered, from maize weed control using solely post emergence herbicides, soil management and zero tillage, using dairy effluent as an alternative nutrient source, more efficient use of Nitrogen using crop sensors, through to growing maize and maximising year round production", says Mike Parker, FAR Maize project manager. "In-field presentations will provide more opportunity for open discussion, and will also allow growers and industry personnel to visualise differences in our research trials first hand. We are confident that New Zealand growers will leave the day with some very valuable information which will assist them in improving the economic and environmental performance of their current maize production systems."
FAR is fortunate to have secured various speakers whom are all experts in their field of work.
Dr Trevor James is a weed scientist for AgResearch. With more than 30 years experience, Trevor has conducted much of the research for weed management for the maize industry and has played an active role in extension to farmers. Trevor was presented with the ‘FAR Researcher of the Year Award 2008' in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the arable industry. Trevor will be showing growers options for solely post emergence weed control and growers will have the chance to view various weed control options first hand.
Ed Winkle (Ohio, USA) and Erin Lawrence (Plant and Food, Lincoln) will both speak on the subject of zero tillage and soil quality management. Ed is a farmer and consultant practising zero tillage on his Ohio farm and has been helping farmers develop practices to reduce costs and improve soil. Erin is a soil quality specialist and researcher at Plant and Food, Lincoln, and brings a wealth of knowledge to farmers.
Dr Paul Johnstone, a researcher with Pant & Food Research, Hawkes Bay who specialises in crop and soil interactions, will speak on using dairy effluent as an alternative nutrient source for growing maize and how quickly are the nutrients released.
Dr Andrew Fletcher, also a researcher with Plant and Food, but located at Lincoln, is a specialist in crop modelling and plant physiology. Andrew will speak on the topic of Maize , the other side of the coin - maximising year round production.
Finally, FAR cereals project manager, Rob Craigie, will speak on crop sensors - fancy new toys or a genuine advance in better Nitrogen use efficiency.
A BBQ lunch and cool drinks will provide an opportunity for further discussion while relaxing under the large oak trees at the site.
Sponsors of the FAR Waikato Arable Research Site include: CASE tractors, Genetic Technologies (Pioneer), Landpower, New Holland, Orion, Ravensdown and RD1 Limited. Nick Pyke, FAR's Chief Executive said "On behalf of FAR I'd like to extend my thanks to all our sponsors for their support. This is extremely important in the running of the FAR Waikato Arable Research Site and as such, has allowed us to create a very valuable and motivating field day for New Zealand maize silage and grain growers.
For anyone interested in hearing more about the sponsorship packages available, please contact Rachel Greenwood at the FAR office on 03 325 6353 or emailgreenwoodr@far.org.nz.
For more details on the FAR Waikato Arable Research Site, please phone FAR on 03 325 6353 or Mike Parker on 021 960 078.
FAR reveals latest in Maize Research
