Early Varieties

This group of varieties is suitable for growing at mainstream sites i.e. much of central England and south Wales

In rations with maize silage levels below 50% of the forage component then the balance tends to be grass-based.  So here, varieties which deliver high starch yields are the priority as these will best complement the sugars and protein of the grass silage.

At more favourable sites, there are usually less restrictions on the amount of maize that can be grown. High starch varieties can still be selected to produce an energy dense diet that can reduce the need for starch supply to be provided by brought in concentrates.

Where maize silage is being fed at high levels in the ration, you can opt to select for high ME yielding varieties, with improved cell wall digestibility levels.