Maize Guide

MAIZE

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WELCOME TO OUR MAIZE GUIDE Recent market research suggests the popularity of early maize varieties continues to increase. This is no doubt driven by the desire to harvest earlier, during more favourable weather conditions, and also to allow more time to successfully establish a following crop to avoid fields standing bare over winter. And due to the efforts of plant breeders, the early varieties continue to improve. The earliest varieties with a maturity of FAO160 and below have historically been associated with a significant yield penalty, but this is changing.

A good crop of maize is a cheap crop, whilst a poor crop of maize is very expensive indeed The 2022 BSPB/NIAB Maize Descriptive List now includes a new FAO150 variety for favourable and less favourable sites, with a DM yield equivalent to much later varieties, an extremely high starch yield, and with good standing power and eyespot resistance. The variety Gema from Limagrain deserves serious consideration by livestock producers looking to produce high yields of high feed value forage from a very early harvest.

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When the feed price is high, the feed value of maize becomes even more important. Growing costs are broadly similar for most varieties, but there are large differences in ME yield/ha, which influences the cost of production of each MJ of ME. Varieties with high DM yield, high starch and high cell wall digestibility, deliver the highest ME yields.

It is important to reduce the risk of in-field losses. The BSPB/ NIAB list describes standing power and susceptibility to brackling and these figures should not be ignored.

To achieve best results it is important to plan ahead and attention to detail at every step of the way pays dividends.

A good crop of maize is a cheap crop, whilst a poor crop of maize is very expensive indeed. With the potential for the value of the ME from varieties such as Prospect to exceed £12,000/ha (covered later in this guide), it is worth giving careful thought to agronomy, inputs, harvesting and ensiling, to ensure nothing is left to chance.

The Wynnstay team of experienced and knowledgeable specialists offer advice on all aspects of maize crop production. From choosing the field and variety selection, to crop nutrition and weed control, to dietary and rationing advice, our technical team have got it covered.

Dr. Simon Pope Crop Protection Manager 07990 578545 simon.pope@wynnstay.co.uk

CONTACT US Maize Seed Product Management Team

Dr Simon Pope - Crop Protection Manager m: 01939 210555 e: simon.pope@wynnstay.co.uk Shannon Marshall - Crop Protection Co-ordinator m: 01939 211251 e: shannon.marshall@wynnstay.co.uk

Sales Desk

01939 733102

Arable & Forage Specialists and Agronomists

Louise Woolacott m: 07879 841672 Polly Gillett m: 07810 444933 Ellie Edwards m: 07436 142593

Midlands

Eimear Diamond - Sales Manager m: 07881 379008 Peter Collier m: 07733 328382 Steve Jarrett m: 07721 390852 Andrew Pigott m: 07733 328381 Jess Edwards m: 07788 310254 Luke Derrett m: 07747 615889 Mark Matthews m: 07796 172522 Michael Gomme m: 07801 088812 Mike Spiers m: 07775 924452 Richard Taylor m: 07977 216764 Richard Wild m: 07788 314967 Rob Williams m: 07736 343627 Tony Morris m: 07866 125680

South England

Tom Jarvis - Sales Manager m: 07787 444308 Aimee Popham m: 07974 446238 Andrew Townsend m: 07920 272222 Arthur Stanbury m: 07771 544684 Chris Hook m: 07885 556707 Graham Moger m: 07712 478308 Gregg Allen m: 07885 273484 Izzy Greenaway m: 07717 290749 Julie Sully m: 07860 268525 Kevin Cannell m: 07974 448564 Mike Hawken m: 07870 875018 Nigel Clements m: 07860 268442 Patrick Brock m: 07483 114902 Tony Heather m: 07775 806360 Will Marffy m: 07484 533998

North East England

Nigel Britland m: 07984 248473

North West England

Nicola Worsley m: 07894 751499 Nigel Hogarth m: 07778 578075 Ruth Hatton m: 07767 275215

North Wales

Simon Harper - National Sales Development Manager m: 07876 824315 Meurig Huws - Key Account Manager m: 07747 625762 Adrian Thomas m: 07771 518880 Caitlin Jones m: 07810 444946 Charlie Cooper-Harding m: 07551 324002 Crystal Brick m: 07384 817362 Gareth Jones m: 07747 033517 Iwan Lloyd Davies m: 07780 683043 Kimberly Stuart m: 07787 426498 Mervyn Jones m: 07771 922977 Rhian Davies m: 07990 584750 Rhys Jones m: 07771 620297 Steffan Morgan m: 07765 400528

South Wales

Chris Thomas - Sales Manager m: 07879 841671 Bryn Hughes - National Sheep & Beef Specialist m: 07973 823396 Aled Thomas m: 07788 314692 Cefin Evans m: 07879 841673 Gareth Bryan m: 07793 073185 Harri Millin m: 07384 117655 Huw Reed m: 07971 234083 Huw Walters m: 07769 907637 Ken March m: 07454 015610 Lawrence Couzens m: 07766 404571 Owain John m: 07887 718784 Towyn Evans m: 07831 867546

MAIZE 2022

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COLLABORATION DELIVERS TOP RESULTS Dairy farmer Jonathan Evans wanted to improve milk quality from his 220 cows to improve milk price and he is now reaping the benefits of close teamwork between his Wynnstay Agronomist and Nutritionist.

Having grown maize before, they decided to go back into the crop as Wynnstay Nutritionist David Howard advised that the energy content and bypass starch have helped drive rumen fermentation and increase milk quality.

They wanted early maturing varieties as this would allow them to follow up with either a grass ley or forage rye. As a first year back they grew two varieties.

Wynnstay Agronomist Lawrence Couzens recommended LG Gema as agronomically it would fit the bill while delivering the high-quality feed David would need as the foundation for the winter rations.

Gema is an ultra-early maturing variety (FAO 150) with a shorter growing season and good early vigour. It delivers high dry matter yields and is capable of producing a high starch forage.

Throughout the growing season, Jonathan Evans commented that the Gema was ahead of the other variety and when ready to harvest, was standing 3 metres high with large cobs. On average, the maize yielded at 42t/ha with the Gema yielding highest at 44t/ha. The analysis has been good at 33.2% dry matter, 32% starch and 11.4MJ ME. David Howard says high quality maize helped make better use of this winter’s grass silages when it was added to the diet in late September.

In September milk quality was running at 4.0% fat and 3.15% protein. In October it averaged 4.58% and 3.33% for the month and in November the averages were 4.55% fat and 3.42% protein. The increased milk quality is worth around 1ppl extra milk price.

Milk yields have also risen. The herd is now averaging 29.8 litres compared to 26.0 litres in September. Purchased feed costs per litre have come back from 9.3ppl to 6.3ppl Based on the improved performance, Jonathan Evans is keen to grow more maize in 2022.

He is planning to grow 49 hectares and at least 75% of the crop will be Gema.

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FEEDING MAIZE

Inclusion of maize in the dairy ration has long been favoured by many dairy farmers and with the current costs of other crops and inputs, 2022 represents an even better opportunity for maize.

Key benefits of feeding maize in the dairy ration Research has shown that diets featuring maize are often associated with reducing methane largely due to the high starch levels¹

Increases fertility

Less risk of acidosis

Milk yield and protein benefits

What should be my top priorities from forage?

Metabolisable Energy – On the 2022 BSPB/NIAB descriptive list, Prospect and Gema have the highest ME yields/ha in their respective classes Starch Content – Maize has a high level of starch. Prospect and Gema have extremely high starch yields.

Digestibility- Prospect has the highest cell wall digestibility in its class which contributes to its outstanding ME yield

Why is maize an attractive forage option for 2022?

Higher fertiliser costs- maize requires less fertiliser input The crop nutrition requirements of maize can be met adequately using muck/slurry, starter fertiliser placement and innovative foliar-applied, slow-release nitrogen sources. Consequently, there are significant cost savings in fertiliser inputs compared to grass silage.

Higher cost of cereals The cost of production of a ton of dry matter from maize is lower than that for wholecrop cereals and for grass silage

The Wynnstay maize offering Comprehensive variety choice to cover every situation, end-use and budget First choice early varieties with high DM yield, high starch yield, extremely high ME yield and no issues with standing, brackling or disease resistance.

References ¹ https://www.fwi.co.uk/livestock/livestock-feed-nutrition/5ways-to-reduce-methane-in-dairy-cows-through-nutrition

Higher cost of bought in feeds High yields of starch and ME from maize can offset purchased feed costs Production costs/ha are broadly similar across a range of maize varieties, but ME yield/ha can be very different.

Early maturing varieties with the highest ME yields, with excellent standing and low brackling (e.g. Prospect) should be given serious consideration. In these situations, the extra value of the ME yield far outweighs any differences in seed cost.

Complete package of crop inputs Seed, crop nutrition, biostimulants, fungicides and silage additive, to achieve the best results possible Technical Support Team Advice on innovative crop nutrition from our agronomists and maximising nutritional benefit to the cow through correct rationing balance from our Ruminant Specialists.

For more information on the nutritional benefits of feeding maize to your livestock, speak to a Wynnstay Representative or a Wynnstay Dairy Specialist.

MAIZE 2022

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THE VALUE OF A MAIZE CROP Maize can be considered to be an expensive crop to grow, however the high dry matter yield and feed value of the crop offers significant rewards for producers.

In the table below we have taken the ME yield/ha from the 2022 BSPB/NIAB Maize Descriptive List and used a simple calculation, working with an average milk price of 30ppl, to calculate the difference in value between varieties.

5.3 MJ ME are required to produce 1 litre of milk, therefore…

ME yield (MJ/ha) divided by 5.3 multiplied by the milk price of 30ppl gives a measure of crop value in £/ha VARIETY

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Maturity Group

Dry matter content at harvest (%)

ME yield (1000's MJ/ha)

"Est Crop Value £/Ha"

"Est Crop Value £/Ac"

"Diff in value/ha cf PROSPECT"

CITO KWS~

Very Early

38.18

197

£11,107

£4,494.86

-£913.43

EMMERSON

Very Early

37.82

192

£10,849

£4,390.65

-£1,170.93

GEMA

Very Early

37.01

199

£11,197

£4,531.17

-£823.70

RGT DUXXBURY

Very Early

36.02

191

£10,759

£4,354.14

-£1,261.15

AUGUSTUS KWS

Very Early

36.01

196

£11,051

£4,472.24

-£969.32

RUBIERA KWS

Early

35.88

194

£10,964

£4,437.21

-£1,055.87 -£630.07

TROOPER

Early

35.72

202

£11,390

£4,609.53

AVITUS KWS

Early

35.72

211

£11,871

£4,804.03

-£149.47

REASON

Early

35.56

202

£11,397

£4,612.30

-£623.22

KWS CALVINI

Early

35.43

208

£11,739

£4,750.63

-£281.41

PEREZ KWS

Early

35.08

199

£11,234

£4,546.49

-£785.84 -£227.92

KWS EXELON

Early

34.65

209

£11,792

£4,772.28

PROSPECT

Early

34.52

213

£12,020

£4,864.52

£-

RGT OXXGOOD

Early

34.32

206

£11,619

£4,702.25

-£400.96

ES LOVELY

Early

34.29

198

£11,190

£4,528.65

-£829.92

AMBITION

Early

34.13

206

£11,626

£4,705.02

-£394.12

AUTENS KWS

Med-Early

33.86

206

£11,626

£4,706.23

-£391.12

MADONIAS

Med-Early

33.67

206

£11,590

£4,690.59

-£429.76

RODRIGUEZ KWS

Med-Early

33.64

206

£11,616

£4,700.98

-£404.10

LIROYAL

Med-Early

33.63

207

£11,687

£4,729.73

-£333.06

PINNACLE

Med-Early

33.59

206

£11,606

£4,696.79

-£414.46

FIELDSTAR

Med-Early

33.55

208

£11,728

£4,746.27

-£292.18

RGT STEWAXX

Med-Early

36.36

204

£11,507

£4,656.91

-£512.99

ES TOMMEN

Med-Early

33.35

200

£11,299

£4,572.55

-£721.45

AURELIUS KWS

Med-Early

33.02

206

£11,596

£4,692.99

-£423.83

RESOLUTE

Late

32.65

220

£12,419

£5,026.02

£399.08

CONCLUSION

Late

32.6

219

£12,368

£5,005.20

£347.63 £211.64

ABSALON

Late

32.54

217

£12,232

£4,950.17

ABILITY

Late

32.41

214

£12,054

£4,878.28

£34.01

SY NORDICSTAR

Late

32.4

204

£11,518

£4,661.24

-£502.30

GATSBY

Late

32.36

214

£12,082

£4,889.57

£61.91

BONNIE

Late

32.34

216

£12,153

£4,918.05

£132.29 -£559.32

LIKEIT

Late

32.25

203

£11,461

£4,638.16

FARMUNOX

Late

31.71

215

£12,141

£4,913.29

£120.53

ES LEGOLAS

Late

31.52

202

£11,414

£4,619.01

-£606.65

ABSALON

Late

32.5

217

£12,237

£4,952.18

£216.62

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SAY YES TO GEMA

GEMA Maize If you’re looking for a strong, attractive, early maize variety, then say ‘yes’ to Gema.

Tel: 01472 371471 www.lgseeds.co.uk enquries@limagrain.co.uk

MAIZE 2022

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VARIETY PROFILES - VERY EARLY GEMA Summary

Superb DM yield, outstanding starch and ME yields from an ultra early harvest

Forage

Strengths

• NEW! Listed as First Choice for favourable and less favourable sites on the BSPB/NIAB 2022 List • Ultra early maturing delivering reliable results in a short growing season • Highest DM yield in its class • Good standing ability and excellent early vigour • Excellent resistance to Eyespot

Rel DM Yield (%) Starch Yield (t/ha) 97

6.28

ME Yield (x1,000s MJ/ha)

Standing 1-9

FAO

DM% at harvest

199

7.3

150

37

REASON Summary

Early maturing.

High dry matter yields of top quality forage. Superb digestibility with assured feeding performance.

Forage

• • • • • •

Delivers excellent results from an early harvest Good early vigour and rapid crop establishment Suitable for short season growth and marginal sites Limagrain Animal Nutrition accredited variety (LGAN), with superior feed quality High cell wall digestibility Very high starch and ME yield per hectare

5.85

ME Yield (x1,000s MJ/ha)

Standing 1-9

FAO

DM% at harvest

202

5.7

160

35.6

KORIT®PRO is a new unique seed treatment combination for maize being offered by Limagrain. The treatment has three modes of action, unlike the standard Korit, which only offers a measure of bird repellency.

Korit Pro also includes additional fungicide protection, it boosts root development and improves crop emergence.

1. Korit – bird repellent 2. Sedaxane – protects the plant from soil borne Rhizoctonia and improves root development which helps to achieve higher, more consistent yields 3. Trace Elements – Manganese and Zinc improve crop emergence and establishment

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Very Early

Strengths

Rel DM Yield (%) Starch Yield (t/ha) 98

Very Early

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VARIETY PROFILES - VERY EARLY AUGUSTUS Summary

• Good early vigour • Early maturity • Excellent starch

Rel DM Yield (%) Starch Yield (t/ha)

ME Yield (x1,000s MJ/ha)

Standing 1-9

FAO

DM% at harvest

196

6.5

160

36

6.12

KROFT* Summary

Forage

Very Early

Strengths

Energy dense silage due to high kernel content

• Good early vigour • High starch yield • High ME yield

Rel DM Yield (%) Starch Yield (t/ha) 101.0

Very Early

Strengths

Good for short season maize silage production

94.0

Forage

6.0

ME Yield (x1,000s MJ/ha)

Standing 1-9

FAO

DM% at harvest

213

5.8

160

35.3

MAIZE 2022

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VARIETY PROFILES - EARLY PROSPECT Summary

High yields with high cell wall digestibility and high starch content to maximise feed performance from an early harvest

• • • • • • •

Excellent early vigour and standing power, low brackling score Early maturing and suitable for all maize growing sites Excellent Eyespot tollerance and Fusarium resistance One of the highest ME yielding varieties available Limagrain Animal Nutrition accredited variety (LGAN), with superior feed quality Extremely high cell wall digestibility Combines highly digestible fibre with a high starch content, to produce superb quality silage 6.24

ME Yield (x1,000s MJ/ha)

Standing 1-9

FAO

DM% at harvest

213

7.5

170

34.5

AUTENS Summary

Good early vigour, reliable performance and starch yield

Forage; Biogas; Grain

• Good early vigour on all soil types • Stable DM yield • High starch

6.06

ME Yield (x1,000s MJ/ha)

Standing 1-9

FAO

DM% at harvest

206

4.7

170

33.9

SEVERUS** Summary

Good early vigour, reliable performance and starch yield

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Forage; Biogas; Grain

Early

Strengths

• Good early vigour on all soil types • Stable DM yield • High starch

Rel DM Yield (%) Starch Yield (t/ha) 99.0

Early

Strengths

Rel DM Yield (%) Starch Yield (t/ha) 100

Early

Strengths

Rel DM Yield (%) Starch Yield (t/ha) 102.0

Forage; Biogas; Plastic

5.7

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ME Yield (x1,000s MJ/ha)

Standing 1-9

FAO

DM% at harvest

198

7.7

170

33.2

VARIETY PROFILES - EARLY TEKNI CS***

Forage; Plastic

Strengths

Summary

Early variety offering exceptional value for money, with a proven track record.

• Good yield from an early maturing variety • Good standing power and disease resistance

Rel DM Yield (%) Starch Yield (t/ha)

ME Yield (x1,000s MJ/ha)

100.0

Summary

Combines high dry matter yield with improved cell wall digestibility to deliver high ME yields

AMBITION

• • • • •

100.0

6.04

GOOD

180

33.5

Early

ME Yield (x1,000s MJ/ha)

Standing 1-9

FAO

DM% at harvest

206

7.8

180

34.1

Forage; Plastic

Early

Strengths

• High dry matter yield • Performs well under plastic film

• Balanced starch and ME content

102.0

5.86

P7326# Earliest of the Pioneer varieties

DM% at harvest

Excellent Eyepsot tollerance Good early vigour Limagrain Animal Nutrition accredited variety (LGAN) Performs well under plastic film

High ME yield, high starch yield

Rel DM Yield (%) Starch Yield (t/ha)

Summary

FAO

Forage; Biogas; Plastic

AURELIUS Good early vigour with high yield potential

Standing 1-9

Strengths

Rel DM Yield (%) Starch Yield (t/ha)

Summary

Early

ME Yield (x1,000s MJ/ha)

Standing 1-9

FAO

DM% at harvest

206

6.2

180

33.0

Forage; Biogas

Early

Strengths • • • •

Suitable for favourable and less favourable sites Good early vigour Good starch yield Fast dry down

Rel DM Yield (%) Starch Yield (t/ha)

ME Yield (x1,000s MJ/ha)

Standing 1-9

FAO

DM% at harvest

180 MAIZE 2022

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VARIETY PROFILES - MED-EARLY TO LATE P7034# Summary

Medium early maturing variety with dent grain texture

Forage

Medium-Early

Strengths

• Produces silage with high starch percentage and high starch yield • Dent type starch degrades faster in the rumen. Clamp last and feed first

Rel DM Yield (%) Starch Yield (t/ha)

ME Yield (x1,000s MJ/ha)

Standing 1-9

FAO

DM% at harvest

180

KWS COLANNADA*** Summary

Maincrop yields with early harvesting on favourable sites

Forage; Biogas

Intermediate

Strengths

• Approx 4 days later than Aurelius in KWS screening trials • Excellent vigour • Ideal for 60-70% inclusion in TMR diets or for AD/biogas

Rel DM Yield (%) Starch Yield (t/ha)

ME Yield (x1,000s MJ/ha)

Standing 1-9

FAO

DM% at harvest

190

FABREGAS*** Summary

A benchmark variety for AD production since its UK introduction

Biogas

Late

Strengths

• Heavy yield potential • Recommended seed rate 42,000 seeds/ac (105,000 seeds/ha)

Rel DM Yield (%) Starch Yield (t/ha)

ME Yield (x1,000s MJ/ha)

Standing 1-9

FAO

DM% at harvest

220 * Kroft data from 2014 BSPB list ** Data from 2020 BSPB list *** No NIAB data available # Pioneer do not participate in the NIAB/BSPB trial system. Only the two earliest varieties are listed above and the entire Pioneer range is available from Wynnstay.

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LGAN Accredited

PROSPECT DISCOVER PURE GOLD

PROSPECT MAIZE Early, high yields with improved cell wall digestibility.

Prospect - it’s pure gold!

Tel: 01472 371471 www.lgseeds.co.uk enquries@limagrain.co.uk

MAIZE 2022

13

INFLUENCING CROP PERFORMANCE

WEATHER

The single biggest factor influencing the success of the maize crop is the weather. Rainfall, temperature and hours of sunlight can all have a significant impact on crop maturity, DM yield and feed value. Of course, the weather is completely out of our control, but there are many other factors which we are able to influence and we should give these careful consideration!

FIELD

Choosing the correct site has a surprisingly large impact on the performance of the crop. Maize does not like wet feet so ideally choose lighter, free draining land, which is less likely to have compaction issues.

A south-facing aspect is preferred to maximise sunlight hours and heat units for cob development. An exposed site not only suffers from the cooling effects of wind chill, but crops/varieties with weak stems or poor anchorage are also at greater risk from lodging/brackling.

CROP PROTECTION

Rapid establishment is important for a good crop, this can be achieved if there is adequate moisture, a good seed bed, sufficient temperature and adequate nutrition. Maize has the potential to produce a huge yield of forage over a very short period of growth, and to do this the plant must be fed properly, any shortage will restrict early growth and final yield.

CROP NUTRITION

Using a robust and tailored crop protection plan will ensure your maize crop is reaching its full potential.

From establishment, to weed and disease control, a full agronomic package will help to achieve high yields and a better quality forage.

VARIETY

Choosing the right variety will maximise the value of your maize crop. Look at selecting early varieties which combine a high DM yield and a high starch yield with exceptional plant digestibility to produce the highest ME yield (MJ/ha).

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EVALUATING CROP PERFORMANCE

YIELD

Until recently the highest DM yields were associated with the later maturing varieties. However, advances in breeding have produced early maturing varieties which display equivalent or better DM yields than much later maturing lines. It becomes a much easier decision to grow early and very early varieties knowing there will be no reduction in yield.

MATURITY

The later the maize crop is harvested, the more likely it is that the weather will cause problems. Also, if the intention is to establish a following crop after harvest, the earlier this can be achieved the better the results will be. Given the extremely high performance of some very early varieties such as Gema, they become an obvious choice.

STARCH CONTENT

For many years increasing starch content was high on the list of plant breeders’ priorities, and for many livestock producers this is the main reason forage maize is grown and included in the ration. Plant breeding has moved forwards, and now in addition to selecting for high yields of highly digestible starch, it is recognised that feed value can be significantly enhanced by breeding varieties with improved cell wall digestibility, which in turn, improves total plant digestibility.

METABOLISABLE ENERGY

Metabolisable energy is displayed on the BSPB/NIAB descriptive list as MJ/kg of forage and also as MJ/ ha. The total yield of ME/ha is a function of the DM yield, the starch yield and the cell wall digestibility; as such it provides a very useful indication of the value of a variety to a livestock enterprise. High yields of high feed value forage when fed correctly can reduce the costs of production of meat and milk. A variety with high ME yield per hectare, which is also early maturing, occupies a very favourable position on the BSPB/ NIAB list.

MAIZE 2022

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CROP NUTRITION- GIVE THE CROP A GOOD START One of the first questions to address relates to your soil and its nutritional status. Do you know the pH and the P/K indices?

If the answer is no, then it is advisable to soil sample every field going into maize. The soil pH is fundamentally important to nutrient availability, affecting not only N, P, and K, but also micronutrients. Also, do not overlook sulphur, which for maize, as for other crops, is essential for nitrogen utilisation. The best advice is to accurately establish the pH and P/K indices, to record the amount of muck and slurry applied and to produce an accurate nutrient management plan which takes all of this into account.

FREE SOIL ANALYSIS with every 15 packs of Prospect or Gema Seed ordered.

Please see page 23 for full details. Terms and conditions

Nutrients positioned in the root zone are immediately available to the plant

BENEFITS OF STARTER FERTILISER Nitrogen readily available for early growth to aid establishment Ensures the crop has a good start and helps it get up and away, which is reflected in yield potential

Most/all of the crop’s phosphate requirement placed where the roots can find it

• Maize can produce 50T/ha or more over a five month period. Such rapid growth creates a large nutrient demand, which must be adequately satisfied to avoid restricting early development and final yield.

• Early root development is key to rapid establishment and nutrient uptake. Poor root growth results in reduced nutrient uptake, which in turn further reduces root development; it is a vicious circle.

• In addition to some nitrogen, adequate phosphate is crucial for early root development, and the availability of phosphate to the plant is directly influenced by temperature.

• The soil temperature can be low in spring when maize is drilled and the colder it gets the less available the phosphate becomes. For this reason, the placement of nitrogen and phosphate starter fertiliser close to the seed at drilling is usually of great benefit, even if soil analysis indicates adequate indices.

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A NOVEL APPROACH TO CROP NUTRITION AND BIOSTIMULATION The timing of nutritional inputs to the maize crop is usually early in the season, either applied to the seedbed pre-drilling, or early post emergence up to the 4- 6 leaf stage.

Nitrogen (N), phosphate (P) & potash (K) and foliar applications of micronutrients are important at this early timing to aid rapid establishment and early crop development.

However, 30% of the crops requirement for N occurs once tasselling has occurred in late July. By this stage little of the N applied in the spring at sowing, is still available to the plant.

Wynnstay agronomists have achieved extremely good results from applications of crop nutrients, biostimulants and fungicides at tasselling.

Nitrogen uptake maize Nitrogen uptakein in maize 30% of total Nirtogen requirement occurs 30%after of total Nitrogen requirement tasselling

Tasselling Tasselling

occurs after tasselling

lvs 66 lvs

V6

YieldOn was applied by high-clearance sprayer as an additional treatment to the standard application of micronutrient (Peloton) and fungicide (Vivid).

60 60

40 40

20 20

00

VE VE

V1 V1

V3 V3

N-Durance 28

V5 V5

YieldOn

We have conducted large-scale, split-field comparisons in commercial crops, which have shown an application of YieldOn just before tasselling can produce an increase in cob weight.

80 80

Cumulative uptake %

Cumulative uptake %

100 100

Forage analysis from treated and untreated areas of crops show higher DM%, higher starch % and higher ME were achieved when the crop received an application of N-Durance 28 and fungicide.

YieldOn is an innovative product for plant nutrition which influences grain-fill and delivers Nitrogen, Potash, Manganese, Molybdenum and Zinc.

ref: Zscheischler etet al.

1984 ref: Zscheischler al. 1984

120 120

Wynnstay agronomists recommend a tank-mix of N-Durance 28 and the fungicide Vivid (pyraclostrobin) to boost yield.

This is particularly effective in regions where the maize crop is affected by Eyespot. The tank mix is applied just before plants begin to tassel in July.

V6

V7/9 Growth V13Stage VT Growth Stage V7/9

V13

VT

R1 R1

R3 R3

R4 R4

R5 R5

R6 R6

Applying N in the form of protected urea at later growth stages nourishes the plant during a critical period of crop development.

Traditionally, N is applied to the seedbed at drilling, but very little remains to fuel the plant during cob development after tasselling. This can impact cob size, kernel number and starch yield, consequently affecting total DM yield and silage quality.

If growers had the opportunity to apply fertiliser later in the season they would see the results in the field. But obviously it is not possible to spread granular fertiliser when the crop is shoulder high, which is why an application of liquid foliar N in the form of protected, slow release urea is advised.

The increase in cob fresh weight from treated and untreated areas ranged across sites from 13.9% to 14.3%.

Untreated

Treated

By carefully considering the crops nutrient requirements throughout the entire growing season and applying the right products at the right timings, it is possible to manipulate plant development to improve crop yield and silage quality.

For more information on getting the right nutritional inputs for your maize crop contact your Wynnstay Maize Specialist or call our Fertiliser Team on 01939 211251 MAIZE 2022

17

MAINTAIN THE ENERGY POTENTIAL OF MAIZE IN THE CLAMP There is enough energy in a hectare of fresh forage maize to support about 30,000 - litres of milk production in dairy cows, once animal maintenance needs are met.

With high cereal prices having a direct impact on bought-in feed prices, it is therefore well worth protecting the energy potential in this starch-rich forage.

While good decisions with variety choice and agronomy can help to maximise the energy yield per hectare of maize while it is in the field, this is only half the story.

Good decisions at ensiling are also crucial, in order to minimise the amount of this energy that slips through your fingers in the clamp.

It is easy to underestimate the losses in maize during storage. Typically, these can be around 15% of the dry matter (DM) ensiled, but they can be much higher.

The most obvious losses occur when maize silage heats up, caused by yeast and mould growth in the presence of air. But invisible losses during the fermentation, even in a well-fermented clamp, will typically be around 8%, and potentially much more.

What is also important to remember is that it is not just ‘general’ DM that is lost, but the more nutritious parts of the DM – the important starches and sugars that maize is grown for in the first place. Fungal contamination can also make maize silage less palatable to cows, and can cause problems with mycotoxins.

Good preservation The starting point to good preservation is to harvest maize at the optimum time and to clamp it in the correct way. However, good maize preservation is a multi-step process. Another important consideration is using the correct additive. If an additive is omitted entirely or if the wrong type is used, it leaves the preservation much more open to chance.

Look for a dual-acting additive – one that not only controls heating but that also improves the efficiency of the fermentation.

That way you have reassurance that you are targeting both sources of loss.

As an example, Ecocool applies two strains of beneficial bacteria. One has been shown to reduce fermentation DM losses, the other leads to inhibition of yeast and mould growth. Alternatively, DA Ecocorn contains the same beneficial bacterium for improving fermentation but a special preservative, potassium sorbate, to tackle yeasts and moulds.

Upon opening clamps, both products have kept silage stable for more than a week.

For more information on our range of silage additives please contact your Wynnstay Arable Specialist or call 01939 211251 18

wynnstay.co.uk

t: 01939 211251

Reduced aerobic spoilage and improved silage clamp life

For consistently better silage

Freephone | 0800 919808 Email | info@ecosyl.com Visit | www.ecosyl.com

ADVERT

Silage additive for maize and wholecrop cereals

For consistently better silage

Freephone | 0800 919808 Email | info@ecosyl.com Visit | www.ecosyl.com

MAIZE 2022

19

CROP PROTECTION STRATEGY It is essential to achieve effective weed control early in the crop’s development. To avoid an irreversible effect on yield all weeds should be removed by the four-leaf stage of the crop at the very latest, and before the weeds reach 100 mm in height.

There are many considerations relating to strategy and choice of product. Obviously weed spectrum drives the decisionmaking process and factors such as soil type can also be very important.

4 Predict likely weed problems 4 Apply residual, pre-emergence chemistry 4 Assess weed species at germination during very early crop establishment 4 Aim to remove all weeds before the crop reaches four leaves 4 Tailor post-emergence herbicides to the weed spectrum present

Pre-emergence

Arguably the most reliable strategy since the herbicides are broad spectrum and the timing is easier to get right. By applying the herbicide before weeds germinate their establishment is almost entirely prevented which is extremely beneficial given the importance of early weed competition. Crop-scorch is often associated with post-emergence treatments, but obviously when the chemical is applied pre-emergence this is not an issue and there is usually little or no crop-effect.

20

wynnstay.co.uk

t: 01939 211251

Post-emergence

VS

Extremely good results can be achieved from post-emergence treatments when they are timed correctly. However, the window for application may be missed due to poor weather at the critical time, leading to inadequate weed control and dirty crops.

As previously mentioned, crop-scorch can be a significant feature of post-emergence applications. The check to growth is often temporary and the plants recover and grow away, but it would be better if there was no check at all!

MAIZE HARVESTING GUIDELINES Target 32-35% dry matter & 30% starch Ensure ‘corn-crackers’ are employed and are correctly set to crack the grain

Mature cobs on a plant still green to aid chopping and consolidation

Pay attention to good consolidation. Fill the clamp by rolling 20-30 cm deep layers

A short chop aids consolidation and so reduces waste in the pit. A longer chop helps rumen function but is more difficult to ensile well and can result in spoilage losses

Maize silage readily ferments but it is prone to aerobic spoilage.

Use an appropriate additive to reduce waste Before sheeting, apply salt worked into silage surface layers (3kg/m2) as a costeffective way to reduce waste from aerobic spoilage

An over-mature crop with bullet-hard grains reduces animal performance, harvest at the correct stage

If an early, severe frost kills the maize plant, harvest within 7 days to avoid deterioration Optimum cutting height is 20cm above ground-level. The stem below this level contains a higher proportion of water and has a low feeding value. If cutting height is too high total crop yield is compromised

1 2

Fill, sheet and seal clamp as quickly as possible. Avoid leaving the face open. If maize silage is fed straight away, a smaller, separate clamp should be created to supply this

3

Keep the pit face as narrow as possible and work across within a week to reduce heating and spoilage

Consider Cross Compliance requirements that soil must be maintained in Good Agricultural & Environmental Condition (GAEC 5: minimising soil erosion) • Maize harvested late in the season, under poor conditions, results in compaction and soil damage causing run-off and soil erosion.

• Grow an early variety to enable the crop to be harvested under more favourable conditions.

• An early harvest will also improve the success of establishing a following crop to reduce surface water run-off and nutrient leaching.

MAIZE 2022

21

GRASS SEED MIXTURES Extras

Conventional Mixtures Short term

Medium term

Fast Grass 1 year ley

Squire 3 year ley

Long term Herald 6+ year ley

Grazing

Grazing

Grazing

Silage

Silage

Silage

Hay

Hay

Hay

Tower 1-2 year ley

Fortress 3-4 year ley

Kingdom 6+ year ley

Grazing

Grazing

Grazing

Silage

Silage

Silage

Hay

Hay

Hay

Shield 4 year ley

Majestic 6+ year ley

Grazing

Grazing

Silage

Silage

Hay

Hay

Sovereign 4-6 year ley

Royal 6+ year ley

Grazing

Grazing

Silage

Silage

Hay

Stronghold 4-6 year ley Grazing Silage Hay

Available with Chicory

Available with Festulolium

Hay

Crusader 6+ year ley Grazing Silage Hay

Imperial 7+ year ley

Silage

No Clover Version

Available with Clover

Available with Plantain

wynnstay.co.uk

Horse & Pony mix Horse Hay Mix

(Short Term)

Poultry

Organic

Overseeding

Poultry mix

Organic 3 Year Red Clover Mix

Short term

Poultry mix plus

Organic 4-6 Year Intensive Dual Purpose

Medium Term No Clover

Organic Long Term Cutting & Grazing

Medium Term Plus Clover

Horse hay mix

(long Term)

Horse herb mix

Long Term No Clover

Gateway mix

Long Term Plus Clover

Introducing Rapid Green

Rapid Green is a 10kg per acre Westerwold blend of at least two varieties packed in 20kg bags.

Westerwolds have the ability to germinate at lower temperatures than conventional leys, and after a maize harvest can be sown safely throughout October (as long as weather conditions allow). Westerwold ryegrass can produce a grass sward and catch crop for soil stability and help to mop up nutrients making them an ideal cover crop for arable rotations. These can also help to improve soil health, structure, fertility and organic matter, resulting in improved yields and financial savings as well as providing other benefits.

Grazing Hay

22

Equine

t: 01939 211251

Cover crops can bring agronomic and environmental benefits with their active growth, deep rooting ground cover and habitat provision, providing benefits in rotations over a bare fallow and helping to reduce nutrient losses via run-off, leaching and soil erosion. An overwintering feed source for livestock or with the possibility of an early silage crop the following spring.

SPECIAL OFFERS

Vouchers

ember

2021

Seed

t Dec

until 31s

Grass

Valid

r 2021

e Vouch

£2.50 No: cher

Vou

80

S8210

ORDL

tions visit: to view erms-condi apply tion-t tions romo o.uk/p and condi ture.c Full terms gricul staya .wynn //www

https:

ember

2021

Seed

t Dec

until 31s

Grass

Valid

r 2021

e Vouch

£2.50

Vou

No: cher

80

S8210

ORDL

tions visit: to view erms-condi apply tion-t tions romo o.uk/p and condi ture.c Full terms gricul staya .wynn //www

https:

ember

2021

Seed

t Dec

until 31s

Grass

Valid

r 2021

e Vouch

£2.50

Vou

No: cher

80

S8210

ORDL

tions visit: to view erms-condi apply tion-t tions romo o.uk/p and condi ture.c Full terms gricul staya .wynn //www

https:

For every pack of maize seed* ordered before 28h February 2022 you will receive a voucher worth £2.50 to be redeemed against any of our standard grass seed mixtures *Excludes game maize

Soil Analysis

Make sure your crop nutrition isn’t the limiting factor

FREE

soil analysis with every 15 packs of Prospect or Gema Seed ordered.

(Soil analysis pH, P, K, Mg)

Terms and conditions: Offer valid from 1st November 2021 – 28th February 2022. The voucher can be redeemed on Wynnstay standard grass seed mixtures purchased between 1st March and 31st October 2022. If the maize order is cancelled or the maize seed returned, the voucher will be voided. The voucher cannot be sold or transferred. The voucher cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Photocopies and reproductions will not be accepted. There is no cash alternative to the voucher. Wynnstay reserves the right to withdraw or change the offer at any time. For full terms and conditions please visit www.wynnstay.co.uk/promotion-terms-conditions Terms and conditions: Offer valid all season. If the maize seed is returned there will be a charge for the soil analysis. The free soil analysis cannot be sold or transferred. There is no cash alternative to the free soil analysis. Wynnstay reserves the right to withdraw or change the offer at any time. For full terms and conditions please www.wynnstay.co.uk/promotion-terms-conditions

For more information on our current offers please contact your Wynnstay Arable Specialists or call 01939 211251 MAIZE 2022

23

01939 211251

To find your local specialist, store or for a quote, please visit:

wynnstay.co.uk

@WynnstayGroup

Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the details supplied in this booklet are correct, Wynnstay cannot be held responsible for any misleading or inaccurate information.

Wynnstay reserve the right to change varieties as required.

Wynnstay (Agricultural Supplies) Ltd • Eagle House • Llansantffraid • Powys • SY22 6AQ • Part of Wynnstay Group Plc, Eagle House, Llansantffraid, Powys, SY22 6AQ Telephone: 01691 828512 Email: info@wynnstay.co.uk • www.wynnstayplc.co.uk Registered in England and Wales Vat Reg No. 168 7221 87 Registration No: 5009019 Registration No. 2704051 24 wynnstay.co.uk t: 01939 211251

WN3174

If undelivered please return to: Wynnstay Marketing Department, Wynnstay Group Plc, Eagle House, Llansantffraid, Powys, SY22 6AQ If you do not want to receive information of this nature please call 01691 223110 or write to Wynnstay Marketing Department, Wynnstay Group Plc, Eagle House, Llansantffraid, Powys, SY22 6AQ

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