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Farming on heavy clay land at 550 feet means James Wooldridge of Crosspark Farm, North Devon, is constantly fighting against time and the weather to get his arable and maize crops drilled and harvested successfully, with appropriate variety selection critical to his crops’ performance.

Undersowing grass into maize has many benefits, from improving soil health to maximising land use

Maize growers have faced significant weather challenges this season and drilling dates were delayed on most farms, with some reported issues with pre-emergence herbicide treatments

Maize could be an attractive option this spring where growers have suitable sites and a market for the crop. ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Guardian gets some top tips on how to get crops off to the best start

Growers will need to pin down costings and consider benefits before committing to either of the maize under-sowing/winter cover options within the English Sustainable Farming Incentive

Growing maize and other suitable crops for biogas production could offer farmers a stable, long-term market for their produce, as well as a fresh break-crop option

As sowing time approaches, growers will need to ensure soil preparation and conditions are correct to ensure good crop establishment

Dairy producers looking to reduce feed costs and boost milk output could do well to team up with local arable growers planning to grow maize this spring following a difficult autumn drilling programme

Lessons from a thriving maize under-sowing trial were shared with farmers at Severn Trent's 2,000-hectare (4,942-acre) maize production and anaerobic digestion site, Stoke Bardolph, in Nottinghamshire

Early indications are 2023 is shaping up to be a bumper year for maize production with high yields of good quality material that should clamp and feed well