New Maize Varieties Improve Feed Flexibility

 “There is no doubt that plant breeders have made some significant advances in the last couple of years, and these new varieties are a move forward following in Kentaurus’ footsteps.”

Heading the pack for earliness is FAO 150 rated Ramirez, which is the top performer in National List Year 1 trials for feed value.

“Ramirez delivers unrivalled starch (over 40%) and ME contents (11.5-12.0MJ/kg, ideally suiting medium maize inclusion in stock rations of up to 50%,” he says.

“Because it is ultra early and has rapid vigour (rated 8.9), it is a variety to plant early and harvest early wherever you farm, providing an early feedout ahead of main crop varieties.

“Ramirez combines this with a class leading yield and is one of the few ultra-early varieties to exceed 100% of controls.  In summary, there is nothing to compare with Ramirez on the market and we are very excited by this variety”

Second newcomer, Severus, is also in the ultra early category, with a FAO rating of 170.  It produces bulk yields of over 18t/ha DM, with early maturity.

“As a result it is one of the lowest cost per tonne yields in its class.  Add to this a high value starch yield in excess of 7t/ha and Severus has the potential to provide a very high yielding, high value forage,” says Mr Burgess.

The final newcomer Ascender, is slightly later maturing than Severus at FAO 180, but takes yields to 19t/ha DM and beyond. 

Back this with a high ME (11.4-11.8 MJ/kg) and a massive starch content (over 40% on marginal sites) and Ascender will drive forward feed values.

“Ascender is also extremely flexible in the ration, being ideal for low, moderate and high maize inclusion” says Mr Burgess.  “With a less extreme dry down compared to ultra earlies such as Ramirez, it will help widen the maize harvest window.”