New early maize from Nickerson

Nickerson will be launching a new early maturing forage maize, LG 31.93, this spring. Grown specifically for use in this country the variety consistently produces high yields (16t DM/ha average) of high feed value forage (ME 11.2 MJ/kg DM, 31.6% whole plant starch content) in UK growing conditions.

 LG 31.93 is classified as maturity class 7 on the 2005 Descriptive List, and will perform well on favourable and less favourable sites. This means that all growers, even those in marginal areas, can now grow maize from the LG plant breeding programme, which focuses on producing highly digestible forage varieties.

 LG 31.93 also scores highly for early vigour and will be suitable for early drilling where seedbed conditions are good.

 “Getting maize started early will become increasingly important as farmers look to harvest earlier to meet cross compliance measures for the Single Farm Payment, which will prohibit harvesting in wet conditions,” says Nickerson’s marketing director Frank Curtis.

 “Earlier harvests also offer the opportunity to establish a grass ley after the maize, which will increase annual output from the field and reduce the chances of soil wash over the winter.”

 Seed stocks of LG 31.93 for sowing this spring are limited. Contact Nickerson on 01472 371220 or email enquiries@nickerson.co.uk for supply details.

 ENDS

 For further information contact: Frank Curtis of Nickerson, on 01472 371471 or fcurtis@nickerson.co.uk