Focus on maize
By Graham Ragg, Mole Valley Farmers Senior Agronomist
The 2025 maize growing year has been marked by its variability across the country. For a crop known for its consistency in yield and quality, this year saw large variations in performance.
High yield and early harvest were achieved by some in areas which had sufficient rainfall, while in other areas lack of significant rain from March onwards scuppered any hope of getting a
good crop.
What, if anything, can be learnt from the variability experienced this year in different regions, between neighbouring farms and even on different blocks of land on the same farm?
Cereal yields also delivered a very mixed picture with many experiencing disappointing yields and weaker returns, while some achieved good yields and grain quality.
A warm spring and early drilling accelerated crop maturity in many areas, while drought stress, particularly on lighter, gravelly soils prompted a harvest three weeks earlier than ususal.
Drought crops showed higher than usual dry matter levels at 35-40%, with stalks carrying much less water content. However, later harvested crops are expected to be the usual 32-33% dry matter with overall higher yield.
Silage analysis will be even more important this year to make sure rations are worked out correctly and dry matter intakes are maintained at the right levels.
Moving on to next year’s maize cropping: what are the considerations based on 2025?
- How many acres do you need to grow in 2026? Many farmers are left with less tonnage in their clamps. A significant increase in acreage may be needed for 2026 to rebuild maize silage stocks
- Field selection. Fertile, deep depth soils with good levels of organic matter to hold moisture are best. South facing fields get more sunshine
- Variety selection. Choose a variety with the right maturity class for your situation. Maize varieties have improved by one to two percent a year in genetic potential in terms of yield and quality over the last 10 years
- Choose the right seed dressings. Looks like 2026 will see no major changes in seed dressing availability, with Korit remaining the main dressing for bird repellence. Wireworm treatments will also be available for 2026
- Do not sow seed too late. The optimal window is mid-April to mid-May depending on soil temperature. June drilling is too late in most cases for the crop to reach full maturity
- Make sure your land is fertile. Soil test your maize ground to make sure pH levels are 6.5 or above. Check phosphate levels, apply D.A.P. 18:46:0 in the seedbed if phosphate indexes are two or below. Order your D.A.P. well in advance alongside your main spring requirements
- Use of slurry and F.Y.M. Maize responds well to nutrients
from organic matter. A nutrient management plan should be conducted to ensure maize has sufficient nitrogen, phosphate, potash and sulphur to thrive from the moment it establishes - Weed Control. Good weed control is vital. Weeds will consume water, light and nutrients which are better used by the growing maize. A pre and post emergence weed control programme is usually the best
- Foliar feeds and eyespot control. Interventions to supply additional foliar feeds can boost the crop and an eyespot foliar fungicide will keep the crop greener and healthier for longer and give higher maize yields and starch contents from the larger cob
To discuss next year’s maize crop contact the Grassland & Forage team on 01769 576232.
