Thursday 10 February 2011 at 2.30pm
FAR Waikato Arable Research Site, 82 Oaklee Lane (behind Mellow Manor), Tamahere, Hamilton
On Thursday 10 February 2011, the Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) will reveal the latest results from its maize research programmes at ‘MAIZE annual expo 2011'. FAR's major maize field event held in the Waikato.
This event is held annually at the established FAR Waikato Arable Research Site and gives New Zealand maize growers and industry personnel the opportunity to see the latest developments in maize research, which they can take away and implement into their own farming businesses.
Diana Mathers is FAR's Maize Research Coordinator. She says "once again we have allowed for a broad range of current topics to be covered, from maize weed control using post emergence herbicide programmes, resilience in those unexpected weather events, saving costs with improved efficiencies around machinery and fertiliser use and soil and moisture response to cultivation practice. Maize growers and industry personnel will also have the opportunity to hear the latest on the arable industry marketing initiative which has taken the New Zealand arable industry by storm."
The first event held at the Waikato Arable Research Site took place in 2008 and was attended by just 50 delegates; however In 2010 the event saw almost 200 growers and industry personnel in attendance which would signify that this is fast becoming a key event for the New Zealand maize community.
Dr Greg Edmeades is an Independent consultant who has extensive knowledge of New Zealand agriculture, primarily around maize production. In his role as agronomist, physiologist and breeder, he has focused on drought tolerance and improved nitrogen efficiency in the maize crop. How does the maize plant cope with down-pours and droughts? When is yield lost? Is praying for rain the best strategy or are there management practices to increase resilience? Plant breeding; what does that have to offer? These questions, among many others will be answered by Dr Edmeades who will be speaking at 3pm and 4.40pm.
Dr Trevor James of AgResearch is a very well respected member of the maize industry due to the extensive work he has committed to around weed control. Trevor is an acknowledged expert on weed seed banks, the environmental impact of weeds and herbicide application technology. He takes pride in being a link between researchers and the arable and pastoral industries, providing practical solutions for farmers. Dr James will give growers and industry personnel a tour of the FAR trial which looks at enhanced microbial degradation of herbicides and alternative options for weed control and will make growers aware of just how well their post emergence herbicides are working for them. Attendees will also be the first to view the Broad Leaf Weed Ute Guide which will be given to attendees free of charge.
Andrew Barber has extensive experience working for the arable and horticultural industries with a focus on improved energy efficiency, with his most recent projects including carbon footprinting analysis and greenhouse gas emission studies for a number of the primary industry sectors, including FAR. Andrew will be discussing ways in which growers can save money and will explain the maize life cycle analysis - how you can save money and benefit the environment at the same time.
Where are we a year on from Ed Winkles' road show on zero tillage? What benefits does direct drilling provide for the crop and the soil? Hear from Dr Paul Johnston of Plant & Food Research what we've learned this season from direct drilling on a range of soil types around the regions.
A barbeque dinner 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 IH, 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.