MAIZE - ForFarmers UK

Early Maize Varieties

We have a range of early varieties (FAO 170-180).These varieties are usually sown mid April on only the best sites.

High yielding for mainstream areas

  • 140 - 150 days typically to harvest
  • Suitable for mainstream sites and higher heat unit areas.
  • High yields reducing cost per tonne of dry matter
  • Good options for crimped maize
  • Suitable for large area growers and biogas to stagger harvest date

 

  • Wide harvest window due to slow dry down
  • 18t / ha DM can be exceeded
  • Excellent for TMR diets up to 70% maize inclusion
  • Energy dense silage with balanced starch for higher inclusion rates

PINNACLE (FAO 180)

Maximising energy yield and feeding performance from an early harvest.

  • Dry Matter Yield 100% - 18.3 t/ha DM
  • Early Vigour 6.8 - Average
  • Starch Content 36.2% - Above average
  • ME Content 11.70 MJ Kg DM
  • Cell Wall Digestibility 57.9%
  • Standing Power 7.1
  • Lodging 1.6
  • Eyespot 6.6 - Above average

Data Source: NIAB Forage Maize Descriptive List First Choice variety for less favourable sites (2025)

DEBALTO (FAO 170)

Leading starch yields and high grain density.

  • Dry Matter Yield 99% - 17.8 t/ha DM
  • Excellent vigour 6.9
  • Starch Content 34.5%
  • ME Content 11.64 MJ/Kg
  • High grain : Stover ratio for energy dense silage
  • Ideally suited for moderate to high (50-70%) TMR dairy or beef finishing rations
  • Cell wall digestibility 57.9%
  • Standing power 2.7
  • Eyespot 6.6

Data source: NIAB Forage Maize Descriptive List Second choice varieties for favourable sites 2024

KWS AUTENS (FAO 170)

Stable yield performance and high kernel content. Proven starch yield in favourable areas.

  • Very high Dry Matter Yields - 100% - 17.7t/ha DM
  • Standing Power 4.7
  • Average Vigour - 7.1
  • Starch content 34.3%
  • ME Content 11.65 MJ/kg
  • Cell Wall Digestibility - 58.2%
  • Lodging - 7.6
  • Eyespot - 5.3

Data Source: NIAB Forage Descriptive List. Second choice varieties for less favourable sites (2022)

KWS ANASTASIO (FAO 180)

Maincrop silage and grain hybrid.

  • Leading Dry Matter Yield 103% 19.2 t/ha DM
  • Early Vigour 7.1 to provide a rapid establishment
  • Standing Power 7.6
  • Starch Content 32.5% for high maize diets
  • High Energy Content 11.56 MJ/kg DM
  • Cell Wall Digestibility 57.9%
  • Lodging - 0.9
  • Eyespot - 7.1

Data Source: NIAB Forage Maize Descriptive List. First choice varieties for favourable sites (2025)

SKIPPER (FAO 170)

High yields from an early harvest with high starch content.

  • Dry Matter Yield 102% - 18.6 t/ha DM
  • Early Vigour 6.8 - Average
  • Starch Content 36.4% - Above average
  • ME Content 11.75 - Above average
  • Cell Wall Digestibility 58.3%
  • Standing Power 7.9
  • Lodging - 0.6

Data source: NIAB Forage Maize Descriptive List First choice variety for less favourable sites (2025)

P7948 (Early)

High yields of high quality silage along with high yields of grain when combined.

  • Dry Matter Content 34.7%
  • Dry Matter Yield 18.30 t/ha DM
  • Whole Plant Digestibility 73.95%
  • ME Content 12.23 MJ/Kg
  • Starch 35.31%
  • Good early vigour
  • Lodging 8.0
  • Eyespot 7.8

Data Source: Pioneer PACTS trials for favourable sites

MARCAMO (FAO 170)

Economical high yielding early variety.

  • Dry Matter Yield 97% - 17.9 t DM/Ha
  • Vigour 6.2 - Below average
  • Starch Content 29.4%
  • ME Content 11.13 MJ/Kg DM
  • Cell wall Digestibility - 55.5% - Below average
  • Standing Power - 4.9
  • Eyespot - 7.2
  • Lodging - 4.6

Data source: NIAB Forage Maize Descriptive List. Second choice varieties for favourable sites (2025)

P7647 (Early)

Delivers higher dry matter and grain yields on both favourable and less favourable sites.

  • Dry Matter Content 36.7%
     
  • Dry Matter Yield 17.42 t/ha DM
  • Whole Plant Digestibility 77.1%
  • ME Content 12.78 MJ/Kg
  • Starch 38.07%
  • Very good early vigour
  • Lodging 7.6
  • Eyespot 4.8

Data Source: Pioneer PACTS trials less favourable sites

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