From the Ground Up, Issue 101

This AIMI survey of maize growers provides details of the 2025 New Zealand maize grain and silage harvest, along with sowing intentions for the coming year.

A review of New Zealand’s fall armyworm surveillance network has confirmed that crop scouting is the most reliable and informative tool for understanding fall armyworm (FAW) activity. However, it also acknowledges that scouting is time consuming and that industry personnel struggle to keep up in the height of the season.

This Cereal Disease Management Strategy summarises the results of FAR research conducted between 2022 and 2024. It provides an overview of the most important diseases currently affecting wheat and barley in New Zealand, and outlines a range of cereal disease management strategies and approaches derived from numerous FAR research trials. 

Growers are reminded to report any grass weeds that appear unfamiliar or could resemble black-grass (Alopecurus myosuroides). Early reporting remains one of our strongest tools for protecting the industry.

If you couldn't make it to ARIA this year, make sure you check out the booklet here. 

Welcome to the revised 2025 version of  The drying and storage of grain and herbage seed, first published in 1999. The book comprises six chapters that cover grain characteristics and their reaction to climate, the importance of seed moisture, the drying system, the storage environment, storage pests and their control, and construction considerations. These have been edited and updated by FAR staff and independent experts from the original chapters written by the late Murray Hill.

This report outlines a fungicide evaluation field trial conducted during the 2023-24 growing season, evaluating the efficacy of a range of fungicides targeting oomycetes for managing cocksfoot downy mildew pathogens.

The AIMI survey of New Zealand cereal growers, as at 10 October, 2025 is now available online.

Read the full arable industry code of conduct here. 

This Herbage Update summarises findings from three seasons of irrigation on browntop trials in Canterbury, New Zealand.