23 September 2004: For Emerald farmer Ian Burnett, the value of growing gritting corn extends beyond the yield the crop provides. The corn’s rotational benefits with his cotton crop are also a major factor in his choice to grow corn.

“Cotton after corn seems to do the job a lot better than other crops,” he said.
Last season the Burnetts planted a gritting variety, which they believe offers the best mix of yield and grit quality in their area.
Hycorn 345 was planted under irrigation and the resulting crop yielded 8.65t/ha of good quality grain.

“We grew the variety because it fits into all the gritting requirements and we have never had a load rejected,” Ian said.
Planted on rain moisture on January 23, 2004, the Burnetts aimed at a planting rate of 65,000 seeds/ha.
In-crop rainfall of 56mm was received in three episodes between January 26 and February 2.
Prior to receiving its first watering on February 22, the crop was sprayed with zinc at 2kg/ha and side dressed with 105 units of N in gas. The crop received a total of seven waterings before being harvested on July 7.
Given the favourable yield and grain quality, combined with the rotational benefits of corn, Ian said they will definitely be planting this variety again next season.

Caption: Ian Burnett and Pacific Seeds Central HIghlands Territory Manager, Scott Johnston in the crop of Hycorn 345.