When asked what maize is grown for; livestock feed, AD or possibly even game cover would all be acceptable answers. A more unusual and downright creative use for this tall, dense and versatile crop that you probably haven’t considered is a maze.
Jonathan Payne – Northern Sales Manager in a typically tall crop of LG31.207
This is what one of my customers has been growing his maize crop for, his maize maze is a very inventive diversification for the farm near Hornsea in East Yorkshire. The farm gates will be opened to the public for the month of October with other seasonally appropriate offerings such as pick your own pumpkins, strawberries and sunflowers. Jason Butler used Nickerson exclusive variety LG31.207 to establish his maize maze, the variety was chosen due to its high rating of 8 for standing and most importantly its notable height, both essential characteristics for a maze! The variety also has an FAO of 210, this later maturity was another key consideration when it came to variety choice. The maze doesn’t open until early October, so Jason was looking for something which would stay green throughout the time it is open to the public.
Establishing the maize maze near Hornsea
LG31.207 is a great variety for more traditional end uses as well. Opting for a later maturing variety suits farming systems on lighter soils which are supplying maize to an AD plant where quantity and staggered supply are required, LG31.207 fits this requirement nicely. With an early vigour score of 8.2, it emerges better and has the edge over other varieties of the same FAO group with lower early vigour scores.
Jason’s crop was drilled on 16th May, the crop has required very few inputs other than a pre-emergence herbicide – and it is looking great. The pathway for the maze was mapped early on so that it was easier to chop into, but also so that Jason doesn’t get lost in his own maze!
The maze opens 5th October so if you are in the area please call in to support what is an excellent diversification project and see how versatile our maize is.
About The Author
Grant Connor
Seed Specialist
