The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Other => Topic started by: mart6 on September 14, 2014, 09:06:54 pm

Title: Sweet corn
Post by: mart6 on September 14, 2014, 09:06:54 pm
Not sure if im on the right board
Local shoot rear pheasents on adjoining field and grow sweet corn on surounding field edges
i would guess around 5-6 acres in total all they do is use it for cover  for pheasants then plough it up in new year.
Seems a total waste.
I know overseas they chop it up to feed cattle. Could it be utilised ? what would be best method?
Seems a total waste just ploughing it in.
Title: Re: Sweet corn
Post by: Carse Goodlifers on September 16, 2014, 09:41:06 pm
Game cover has 2 uses.
1st is, as you point out, to provide cover for the birds as they are growing and also as adults.
2nd is also to provide a source of feed too.  The birds will eat seed from any quinoa, linseed, phacelia, sunflowers, maize, any cereals, beans etc.  Other animals will eat the cover too e.g. deer.

As well as the above game cover is also a good source of pollinating insects and bugs which are a good source of food for birds.
Title: Re: Sweet corn
Post by: Fleecewife on September 16, 2014, 11:28:25 pm
It will be feed quality maize not sweetcorn, so not very palatable if you want to eat some while it's still standing.