When is maize ready to harvest?

When the dry matter content of the crop is 28 – 35% then the crop should be harvested. This is when the leaves level with the cob and begin to turn brown and the leaves at the top of the plant are becoming pale and papery. When a plant is picked and the stem twisted, no juice will emerge.

Thumb Nail Test

For a quick in field assessment of crop maturity the thumbnail or the milk line test can be used. If you peel back the sheath on the cob the grains at the top of the cob should have a consistency which is comparable to soft cheese, whilst the grains at the bottom should be like hard cheese. Grains in the middle should just be able to take the imprint of a thumbnail.

For more information

For further information on maximising your maize please contact your local ForFarmers Forage Specialist or send us an online enquiry here.