Northland:

Maize grain harvesting continues and is now about 85% completed for the season. Yields continue to be about 2t/ha above average, and in the 12-14+ t/ha range.

Recent rain has stalled harvesting and wind last weekend caused some lodging. Moistures are continuing to fall and most are now about 17% moisture. Grain quality is excellent this season.

There have been some excellent yield results from direct-drilled maize in the Dargaville area. One property, now into its third season of direct drill, has averaged 16 dry tonnes/ha with excellent weed control.

Waikato:

Until the rain over the last four days, the weather has been perfect for maize grain harvesting and the harvest is about 95% completed. Grain moistures continue to fall more rapidly and many are now less than 20% moisture.

Yields vary as to where rainfall did or did not fall but generally have been average (10-11t/ha) to slightly above average (12+ t/ha). While the perennial problem of grain dryer availability and or storage continues the harvest is still well ahead of previous years.

Recent winds have caused a little more lodging but not serious. Grain quality is excellent.

At harvesting please be on the lookout for notifiable problem weeds, such as Noogoora bur, alligator weed, and velvetleaf.

Bay of Plenty:
Like Waikato maize grain harvesting has progressed but due to slower dry down harvesting has slowed and is now about 75% completed. Yields are better than last season and generally around 11t/ha. Moistures are now slower to lower and many are above 20% moisture. Despite a few weed issues and a little lodging the grain harvest has been excellent to date. Again, growers are advised to be on the lookout for problem weeds while combining.

Gisborne:

Very warm temperatures and drying wind have rapidly hastened maize grain dry down and harvesting progress is now rapid (a lot of crops now less than 17% moisture).

The area is now about 70% through the maize grain harvest and yields have been above average at 13-14 t/ha. Crops continue to stand well. Grain quality is excellent.

Hawke’s Bay:

 The grain harvest has progressed rapidly as moistures continue to fall, with some contractors almost finished while others are 70% completed. 

Paddocks on the better soils with irrigation are yielding over 14t/ha with excellent grain quality but overall yields are down, (possibly due to the cold, wet Spring and then dry from mid-January). Soil conditions are still very dry, (see weather data).

Taranaki:

No further report as the maize silage season is completed.

Manawatu:

Grain harvesting continues at pace as moistures fall and is already about 90% completed. Yields are average this season and range between 8 and 14 t/ha with excellent grain quality and test weights. 

Like many other areas the season is 2-3 weeks ahead of an average season and may well be all but over in two weeks’ time.

Wairarapa:

The maize silage and grain season is completed.

Canterbury:

The maize silage season is now completed for the season.