Cutting rides in maize

[tiny tim]

Do you think we need to cut rides in the maize cover crop?

We have a big block about 3/4acre and this year it really dense

Would it be better to cut a ride in it or a square in the middle so the birds can take off easier

 

It's that thinking I am thinking that they will struggle to get airborne and run out to the sides or all go to the end.

[Kes]

As you know, the birds tend to run down the rows so if you have planted correctly, these will be at 90 degrees to the direction you want to drive. Sometimes thats not practical and a clear flushing point is a good idea. I'd cut two, one near the middle and one nearer the end, in the direction you want to drive it , just enough width maybe 5 feet wide and across 2/3 of the crop width. put a couple of kibbled maize feeders in the gap close to either end.

I would also try and push some beaters ahead of the main driving number as 'wings' and then see how it goes after a couple of drives, adjust as necessary.

Good luck..

[David BASC]

To add to this, don't forget stops that the end of the cover

[matty*]

This year i have cut rides in to my maize covers as they are really dense aswell. I havnt gone to mad. Ive done what i have for now and will adjust if need be after the first few days, but one thing to remember is dont go to mad, a shoot near me went mad one year with rides and we had a hard winter and lots of wind they kinda wished they could have some of that cover back!!