Global experts will be taking to the stage to share the latest thinking on managing and feeding forage maize as part of a new farmer-focused symposia from Volac.
The events entitled: “Making the Most of Maize: King of the Forage Crops” will take place on Tuesday 7th July at Exeter Sandy Park, Devon, and Thursday 9th July at Harper Adams University College, Shropshire.
Jackie Bradley, Global Product Manager Forage for Volac, says the events have been designed to provide farmers with science-led, practical take-home messages to optimise maize production.
Maximising milk from forage to improve margins and overall business resilience makes sense whatever the milk price,” he says. “However, milk price cuts have highlighted the value of maize in optimising milk from forage and the need to refocus on maize management from field to feed-out.
Each full day event will include presentations from a top line-up of speakers from the UK and abroad with the opportunity to engage with exhibitors and connect with other farmers and advisors. Speakers will cover all stages of maize production, from agronomic decision making in the field, through to preservation and feed-out, as well as emerging technologies shaping the future of forage production.
Headlining the event is Limin Kung, Jr, Emeritus Professor at The University of Delaware, who will provide insights into maize management in the USA and explain the value of good fermentation.
Cody McCary, Forage Account Manager for Vita Plus in the USA will also explain how drones are being used in the States to pre-plan silage clamp feed-out with 3D modelling; accurately measure forage stock; and evaluate silage management practices from the air.
In his presentation entitled ‘Maize agronomy the Do’s and Don’ts’, Thomas Turner, KWS Technical advisor and Regional Sales Manager will detail how to grow maize effectively. He’ll cover everything from field selection to variety choice and harvesting.
Dr Mark Leggett will talk about maize management from cut to clamp to minimise dry matter and quality losses and highlight the role of an inoculant, whilst mycotoxin management will be the focus of Dr Hsueh-lui Ho, Global Technical Manager for Feed Additives at Volac International. She will highlight the scale of the problem in forages, drawing on the latest Mycocheck findings.
Iwan Vaughan, Nuffield Farming Scholar and ruminant nutritionist at Dairy Diagnosis in Wales, will then highlight how maize can be used to meet increasing milk processor requirements to reduce total dietary crude protein levels, whilst maximising feed conversion efficiency.
>> Tickets to each event can be booked via EventBrite at:
Exeter location.
Harper Adams location.