In his 75 years of farming in the Biggara Valley, Keith Whitsed says he has never seen a more impressive crop than the stand of corn currently being grown on the family property with his daughter Marie and son-in-law Dave Colbert.

Their first attempt at growing corn for fodder has exceeded their expectations but has also brought with it some unique issues.

“Before we could prepare the paddock for sewing we had to have power lines moved at a cost of around $80,000,” Marie said. Dealing with authorities on both sides of the border also had its problems but once they were sorted the work was done quickly.”

The decision to grow their own corn crop was prompted by making best use of their centre pivot irrigation system and providing high quality fodder for their cattle.

“We planted five and a half hectares on December 1st and within five days it had germinated and was about a metre high after two weeks,” Dave Colbert said. It is well over three metres now and almost ready to harvest.

“We estimate that we can grow two and half times the fodder in a quarter of the time compared to traditional crops and it is a highly efficient use of our water.

“In time we intend to increase the crop size to around ten hectares,” he added.

Graham Martin of Agmate Rural Services in Corryong has been guiding them along the way and says corn is becoming increasingly popular as a fodder crop in the Upper Murray.

“The very high levels of starch and protein contained in corn helps cattle grow and thrive,” he said.

“It provides high quality and extremely healthy feed.”

He explained that initial costs are high compared to traditional crops but this is offset by the high yield of corn.

“Contractors are used to plant and harvest the corn crops,” Graham said.

The earth is ripped to a depth of around a metre and seeds are planted at 20cms then heavily fertilised.

“All up it costs around $5000 per hectare to grow compared to around $150 for other crops but the overall yield is around 24 tonnes per hectare as opposed to other types of silage,” Graham said.

“The crop is grown over summer but because of the heavy rains late last year planting this season was delayed and we are looking at a late harvest.

“This has caused an infestation of grubs in the kernels and we are currently assessing methods to remedy this.”

This article appeared in the Corryong Courier, 9 March 2023.