Despite adverse weather in September and October, improved conditions have helped crops recover in time for summer demand
LeaderBrand sweetcorn has hit New Zealand shelves as scheduled, despite cold weather in September and late October threatening a later start.
Gordon McPhail, LeaderBrand general manager of farming predicts a strong season ahead.
“The bad weather that swept through the country in October hit our first sweetcorn plants and slowed down the growth,” McPhail said. “Luckily, we’ve had a classic Gisborne spring bringing lots of wind, great hot days especially in November but also regular rain to top up the moisture in the field. The perfect spring has helped the crops recover and flourish.”
Demand for sweet corn ramps up over the holiday period as the cobs are a popular choice for summer barbecues.
“We’ve been able to plant regularly through the spring, so we should have a consistent supply of the very best sweetcorn from now, and all the way through the summer,” McPhail said.
New Zealand has faced a series of challenging years with adverse weather conditions causing the corn season to finish early.
“Wild weather has plagued the last two corn seasons, with heavy storms, Cyclone Gabrielle and last year’s wet cold-snap on Boxing Day,” McPhail said. “Then a wet January caused slower growth and delayed harvest, which meant that last year’s corn season finished at the end of March.”
McPhail said the industry is looking forward to more favourable weather this season.
“Mother nature tends to rule the roost, especially if you are farming outside,” he said. “We’ve all had a rough couple of years, and we’re keen for the La Nina weather to bring lots of warm weather with a lot less rain. All growers across the country could do with a summer that has consistently good weather that helps to bring Kiwis lots of great tasting, good quality, fresh produce.
“So far, our sweetcorn crop looks great. Flowering started on schedule, and we’ve been able to consistently plant throughout November. We’re excited for another delicious season of sweet and juicy sweetcorn. It’s the taste of summer.”
Carmel Ireland from 5 + A Day said eating sweetcorn supports a nutrient-rich diet.
“Adding sweetcorn to your meals is a simple and flavoursome way to add more colours to your diet,” she said. “Including a variety of vegetables in different colours helps support a nutrient-rich diet. Corn is packed full of antioxidants and great for gut health. It’s a good source of fibre, a source of folate and vitamin C. It’s also an easy way to add one more vegetable into your diet, especially as it’s a hit with the little ones.”
