From the Ground Up, Issue 101

BYDV is a complex, aphid-transmitted disease that poses significant risks to cereal production in New Zealand. Find out more about the disease in this update.

A T1 fungicide can be the hardest application to get right. Ideally, it targets GS 32 (leaf 3 emergence, two leaves below the flag), but getting the timing right can be challenging if conditions are wet and/or windy. FAR has extended the T1 window to late GS 31- GS 33 find out more here.

If you missed the WeedSmart NZ workshops with Danish weed management expert Mette Sonderskov you can catch up on the booklet here.

If you couldn't make it to this year's early spring field walks check out the booklet here.

Read a collection of weed management focused research reports here.

Row spacing is an important management strategy in white clover (Trifolium repens) seed crops. Stolons grow outward from the crown of the plant into the space between rows. Nodes produced along the stolon bear either vegetative axillary growth (e.g. a branch) or a reproductive leaf-flower combination. The more nodes that are produced per stolon, and subsequently per unit area, the greater opportunity for flower production and thereby seed yield. In theory, wider row spacing should produce more flowers/m2 due to more space for stolon proliferation.

A FAR project is helping arable and dairy farmers understand more about the greenhouse gas emissions associated with growing and using feed wheat, feed barley, maize grain and maize silage.

The AIMI survey of New Zealand cereal growers, as at July 1, 2026 is now available online.

View the latest AIMI Survey of Cereal and Maize Areas and Volumes to 1 July 2026.

If you’re an East Coast maize grower interested in improving nitrogen use efficiency, profitability and environmental outcomes, read on! FAR is offering several opportunities for maize growers to learn, collaborate and help shape future nitrogen management recommendations.