The chance to hear a leading United States maize researcher at the Foundation for Arable Research’s premier maize event in early 2003 is described as a “once in a lifetime” opportunity.
FAR is hosting University of Illinois Professor of Crop Physiology Fred Below, who is keynote speaker at the event on February 14 at FAR’s Northern Crop Research Site at Tamahere near Hamilton. Fred Below is one of the researchers and authors responsible for the “seven wonders of the maize yield world”, the top seven list of management factors that each year can have a positive impact on maize yield.
The considerable gap between the average yield produced by most growers and record yields shows the opportunity to increase maize yield through enhanced crop management, he says.
FAR senior maize researcher David Densley says the opportunity to come and listen to Professor Below “is probably once in a lifetime”.
Professor Below has two presentations on the day; the morning keynote address is on emerging trends in maize production in the United States and the last presentation on the day will discuss the latest maize research findings and why this will likely have an influence on maize production practices in the future.
David Densley says that with increasing fertiliser costs and environmental requirements it’s an opportune time to hear the latest research results.
Other speakers include FAR researcher Dirk Wallace on reducing nitrogen inputs, AgResearch scientist Trevor James on cover crops for weed management, David Densley on precision agriculture for maize productivity and quality and FAR’s technology manager Chris Smith on sensor technology. FAR’s Abie Horrocks will discuss long-term crop establishment and some of the impacts that cultivation has on soil structure and water infiltration.
Apart from the keynote speaker, talks are repeated in the morning and afternoon. There will also be an update on the maize pest fall armyworm which was first identified in New Zealand in March last year.
Professor Below will also attend an afternoon field day on February 15 at the property of Colin Jackson, Te Awamutu, one of the farmers hosting FAR on-farm maize research.
David Densley says that FAR’s research always aims to answer one of three questions. “How can this research drive a grower’s profitability? How can the research help to bring more resilience into my production system and three, can it help me meet my environmental requirements moving forward?”
There will also be static displays on ProductionWise®, E-Check, soil and plant nutrient sampling and biosecurity risks.
Field day details:
The premier maize event will be held at FAR’s Northern Crop Research Site (NCRS), 82 Oaklea Lane, Tamahere near Hamilton on Tuesday February 14, 2023, with gates opening at 9.15am. More information on the event can be found here.
NCRS hosts a number of maize, forage and other trials, including a long-term cultivation trial. The 26-hectare site provides a platform for research conducted in the northern North Island.
On February 15, Professor Below will also attend an afternoon field day at the property of Colin Jackson, 432 Te Mawhai Rd, Tokanui, Te Awamutu.