New Early Grain Maize to Revolutionise UK Crop

It follows trials this season where a new very early variety has produced 12.5t/ha yields at moistures of under 30%.

“Not only do we now have a variety three weeks ahead of the pack in maturity, but one that delivers yields comparable with much later varieties,” says the company’s grain maize specialist, Andrew Galloway.

“Genuinely earlier varieties now mean there’s no loss in yield from considerably earlier varieties. And with 10t/ha yields providing £1300/ha before costs, grain maize is fast becoming one of the most profitable spring break crop options.”

Mr Galloway points out that UK growers could plant a record acreage this spring to produce a significant tonnage of home grown high energy starch-based feed, for a range of feed markets, replacing imported maize from France.   

Crimped crops are cut at the same stage or slightly earlier and crimped by a roller in mobile machines using an organic acid or bacteria based additives, prior to ensiling in pits or Ag-bags.

“The key is to select varieties that are quick to dry down and which can be harvested in good time without the need for excessive drying costs,” he says. 

In the past few seasons, varieties such as Harvi and MAS13L have taken the lion’s share of the market, but new KWS UK variety Coryphee looks set to challenge this dominance.

“In trials last season, Coryphee came second for yield, but at the same time produced the lowest moisture content on the day of harvest.  “This provides not just a high grain yield but also brings down drying and storage costs.  In addition, with a yellow – almost cornflake type – colour, it will suit premium market needs, for example as flaked maize.”

David Bright had picked out Coryphee’s potential very early on in the season.  “It simply flew out of the ground and has amazing vigour.  It’s one to plant first – from early April - and then bring to harvest early,” says Andrew.

“Coryphee is three weeks ahead of traditional grain maize varieties used in the UK.  The variety opens many opportunities that did not exist before, not least providing an ideal October entry for a following winter wheat”.

In the trials, Coryphee had a 27.5% moisture content on October 5th – giving the best combination of harvestable yield and quality.  It also stood well and was slightly taller than MAS 13L.

Based on the results so far, David Bright expects the variety to provide greater consistency in traditional maize grain areas, but also improve production in areas such as the Eastern Counties. 

The company is also looking to test Coryphee under plastic next season and this could further improve crop prospects.