Irish innovation gets the thumbs up down under

New Zealanders have discovered the Samco maize growing system from Ireland, and bestowed one of their top awards for innovation on it.

Irish farmers know all about the Samco machine which sows the seed, sprays the ground with a pre-emergence herbicide, and covers the embedded seed with a degradable film. The higher temperature under the film ensures rapid plant growth and protects the young maize plant from early frost. The Samco system also retains moisture in dry soils.

It is expected to have a significant impact on farming productivity in New Zealand’s South Island, making it possible for maize and other crops to be grown in previously unsuitable areas.