06 September 2004: Newer varieties of feed corn seem to have a greater tolerance to stress than those of previous years. This observation comes from Cecil Plains producers David and Pauline Scott of “Kia Ora”.

“These new varieties appear to be better than the ones that were around 10 years ago,” Mr Scott said. In the 2003/04 season, the family run farming enterprise planted 80 hectares of feed corn, Hycorn 424 at a rate of 59,000/ha, and the resulting irrigated was crop yield tested at 12,700 kg/ha (standardised to 14% moisture).

The crop, which was planted at the Scotts’ other farm, "Mywybilla" was flood irrigated three times and fertilised before planting with 320 units of N/ ha. 120 units of N/ha were also applied during irrigation. Mr Scott said he has been happy with the variety.

“It seems to be able to handle the stress quite well,” he said. “The heat around Christmas, during flowering didn’t seem to affect it too much. And I’m quite impressed with its high yield.”

Mr Scott first planted the variety the previous season in a small plot, and following the success of this crop said he will plant Hycorn 424 again in the coming season.
“What I like about the variety is that it stands up well when it’s younger,” he said. “It has good root system development which stops it falling over, although it does still need water to establish its roots.”

Caption: David and Pauline Scott of "Kia Ora", at Cecil Plains in the Darling Downs, Queensland.