Riverina corn crops are thriving

Corn crops are performing well in the Riverina due to mild conditions and reasonable water prices. See how popcorn and feed maize is shaping up.

Intermittent rainfall throughout the Riverina and Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area has helped to boost the outlook for corn crops this season.

In the past week temperatures have warmed up with Griffith recording an average of 26.3C and Wagga Wagga 29.7C while Narrandera recorded 29C.

The warmer temperatures combined with a monthly rainfall ranging from 125mm to 200mm has complemented irrigation.

Griffith agronomist Mark Zanatta of Terra Ag said the mild summer conditions and reasonable water prices made corn an attractive cropping option for Riverina growers.

He said it was less popular than cotton or rice, but it fit into rotations well and suited the region.

He estimated that feed corn varieties’ yields would range between 12 and 15 tonnes a hectare when harvest starts at the end of March and early April.

In previous years, Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area farmers have recorded corn yields of up to 18t/ha.

“There is potential that we could get to that level again,” he said.

Mr Zanatta said popcorn varieties tended to yield lower, ranging from 8t/ha to 9t/ha.

He said corn provided an important rotational tool for farmers and helped protect against soil disease.

“We have been growing too much cotton (at times), and putting corn into the rotation can help to break the disease cycle; it is a great alternative crop, and maize fits in well,” he said.

Meanwhile a thriving corn crop in southern NSW will likely become cornflakes for someone’s breakfast.

Jake Dunn pictured in a crop of irrigated corn at Collingullie in southern NSW. Picture: Nikki Reynolds

Jake Dunn of Collingullie said he was impressed with the performance of the corn on his family farm, which was under irrigation and had also benefited from 84.2mm of rain in January.

He estimated harvest of the Pioneer P1837 would start in late March or early April, and the crop was destined for the human consumption market.

“We are definitely happy with where it is at the moment,” he said.

Jake said corn was usually in the program, with at least one paddock of corn sown annually and supported by bore water.

The warmer January weather and intermittent storms that have delivered rain have provided close to ideal growing conditions for the crop.

The rain combined with irrigation from the centre pivot irrigator has allowed the corn to grow into a magnificent and tall crop.

In the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, growers have also reported good results for popcorn varieties and feed corn.

A crop of irrigated corn at Collingullie in southern NSW. Picture: Nikki Reynolds