New Forage Maize Introductions Matched to Feeding Needs

“It’s in a Maturity Class of its own – Class 12 for less favourable sites - and could well rewrite the maize growing map taking serious production further north into Scotland,” says KWS UK maize specialist, John Burgess.

“Also, don’t ignore the very high quality, short growing season type, Kontender and our other newcomer dual purpose variety Konsensus which has the potential for some of the highest energy yields possible,” he says.

Kentaurus

According to Mr Burgess, Kentaurus is simply outstanding – a fact recognised by NIAB which in December awarded it the NIAB Variety Cup, the accolade given to the most promising new variety from the entire spectrum of horticultural, ornamental and agricultural crops.

 “Despite being one of the earliest maize varieties ever seen, Kentaurus matches the yield of significantly later varieties,” he says.  “This includes a Descriptive List trial yield almost on a par with the control variety Nescio which is 6-7 Maturity Classes later.

“And in last year’s Kingshay trials in Yorkshire, Kentaurus produced the highest feed value of all varieties, at 37% starch content, indicating Kentaurus’ potential in tough growing conditions.

“Indeed, it is already being successfully grown in Sweden, on the same latitude as Glasgow, so we would expect Kentaurus to push the limits of maize growing to new regions,” said Mr Burgess.

However, Mr Burgess points out that other growers further south should not ignore Kentaurus’ potential on more favourable sites. 

“Here it could be sown and harvested early, providing the chance to open the clamp earlier in the autumn, and introduce newly ensiled maize, ahead of most other Group 7 or 8 varieties.  

“Alternatively, some will look to sow Kentaurus after a first cut grass silage safe in the knowledge that it will still mature in time, providing two valuable forage crops off the same piece of land.

 “It is this flexibility and yield security which clearly sets it apart, providing growers with a one of the lowest cost per tonne DM yields ever seen,” he says.

Front runner for beef finishing

For those requiring a short season maize variety, with very high starch yields, Kontender also looks like becoming a front runner.

“With leading NIAB Descriptive List starch yields of 6.5t/ha, Kontender offers higher returns than either Ixxes or Destiny,” says Mr Burgess.

“This combined with early maturity and strong vigour, will mean that Kontender will prove popular for those looking to get more out of maize in dairy and beef rations.

“It is one of a few varieties that lays down starch ahead of dry matter, as a result it has matured ahead of some ultra early varieties, even as far north as Cumbria. With starch a priority for beef, Kontender looks to be a popular choice,” he says.

Dual-Purpose Konsensus

Finally, Mr Burgess sees Konsensus as an excellent choice for rations relying on a moderate to higher maize inclusion – with the added bonus of being suitable for silage or grain maize.

“Konsensus delivers enormous yield potential - some 21t/ha in 2009 trials by NIAB - and combined with an ME of 11.4, the variety offers an energy output in excess of 230,000 MJ for every hectare grown.”

The variety’s high yield potential, was pretty clear in Kingshay trials as well.  Last year it produced DM yields of 20.5t/ha – with an ME of 11.5 MJ/kg/DM significantly above that of NK Bull.

“Indeed based on their data from last year, Kingshay give Konsensus an estimated crop value worth over £470/ha over Mas 12 A.  As a result, we see it taking on existing mainstream varieties for growers relying on maize to deliver for over 60% of their ration,” concludes Mr Burgess.