Big yields are forecast for this year’s maize crop and farmers must plan and prepare to capitalise on this to protect its quality at harvest.
This is according to seed and silage inoculants sales manager at global agricultural chemical company Corteva’s UK branch, Andy Stainthorpe.
Stainthorpe said using the right additive when harvesting maize is “critical to its success in the clamp”.
“With a record acreage of maize sown in the UK this year, the potential gains from producing and preserving this high-quality homegrown feed for the winter ahead are greater than ever,” he said.
“The 2023 national maize crop is estimated to be around 250,000ha, up 20,000 from last year. Figures from our PACTS trials over the last 20 years show an average fresh weight yield of around 48t/ha.”
Stainthorpe said, at last year’s trading price of £60/t, the potential value of this year’s 12 million tonne crop stands at more than £725 million.
“We also know from our trials the most valuable starch or grain component averages a little under 8t/ha (at 15% moisture), with a corresponding value of £487 million,” he said.
Corteva described these statistics as “eye-watering figures” and encouraged farmers to be aware of how important it is to ensure the nutrition of maize is retained as much as possible right up until is reaches the feed barrier.
“Choosing the right silage inoculant to do this depends on how your maize is going to be used,” Stainthorpe said.
“Silage for high-performing dairy cows needs to be protected from aerobic spoilage and have good digestibility.
“And with sowing in many areas later this year, harvest is also likely to be later, and there is an increased risk of spoilage organisms infesting the standing crop.
“Investing in protecting your maize silage this year makes good business sense. One small step taken at harvest is one giant leap for your silage quality all winter long.”
