It’s not too late to organise your maize for this season

As South Island farmers continue to navigate seasonal uncertainty, maize silage remains one of the most reliable and cost-effective tools available to support feed supply, animal performance and environmental sustainability.

There are several good reasons why more farmers are choosing maize silage as part of their feeding programme this season.

With dairy payouts expected to remain favourable, investing in quality supplementary feed can deliver strong returns. Maize silage is a highly economical feed source that can help fill feed deficits while supporting milk production and overall farm profitability.

Many farmers are also looking to reduce reliance on expensive imported feed. As imported feed costs have risen in recent years, maize silage continues to offer a cost-effective alternative, whether grown on-farm or purchased locally. Producing feed closer to home provides greater certainty around availability and can help reduce exposure to volatile international markets.

Advances in maize breeding have also transformed the crop’s potential in the South Island. Modern short-maturity hybrids have been specifically selected for cooler growing conditions and are capable of producing excellent yields across a wide range of environments. As a result, South Island maize production has become increasingly consistent and reliable.

From a herd management perspective, maize silage is an excellent feed for increasing condition, extending lactation into autumn and helping build pasture covers ahead of winter. Having quality feed available when it is needed most allows farmers to better manage seasonal fluctuations and maintain production targets.

Environmental considerations continue to play an important role in farm decision-making. As a low-protein feed, maize silage helps dilute dietary protein intake, which will reduce the amount of nitrogen excreted in urine. This makes maize silage an important component of strategies aimed at improving nitrogen efficiency and reducing environmental impact.

Pasture growth remains unpredictable, and feed shortages can occur at any stage of the season. Having maize silage on hand provides flexibility and peace of mind, allowing feed to be utilised when conditions demand.

With the prospect of an impending El Niño increasing the risk of drier conditions and tighter water availability, planning feed supply early will be especially important. In these conditions, maize can outperform pasture by converting available moisture more efficiently, helping farmers grow more feed per millimetre of water and build a more resilient feed reserve.

If you think you may need additional feed later this season, it is not too late to organise your maize crop. Contact your local Pioneer representative to discuss the best Pioneer® maize hybrid for your farm and secure your requirements before planting opportunities pass.