Relative yields for the upper North Island

Relative yield is the yield of the hybrid as a percentage of the trial average yield. Silage and Grain plots are the number of trial plots used to calculate the relative yield figure. CRM = Comparative Relative Maturity.

New maize hybrids undergo stringent trailing in a process which takes at least three years before Pacific Seeds releases them to growers.

“Because of this rigorous and structured approach to testing, growers of Pacific Seeds new hybrids can have the highest level of confidence that their chosen hybrid will perform to expectations,” says Rob Shannon, who is Carrfields Grain and Seed territory sales manager for the Bay of Plenty, Gisborne and Manawatu areas.

Last year Pacific Seeds maize hybrid varieties were planted in more than 90 replicated plot trials, covering all of New Zealand’s major maize growing areas. Most trials were harvested for grain; and a majority were harvested for both silage and grain.

In total there were more than 110 individual small plot trials harvested, each with about 30 plots, generating more than 3000 plot yield data points.

Armed with all that research data are Carrfields’ seven dedicated experienced field staff and two full-time support staff.

“Growers of Pacific Seeds hybrids can expect to receive a very high level of service, including a full and comprehensive advice and crop monitoring package,” says Rob.

Carrfields also has its own seed processing and treatment unit based in Ashburton and warehousing facilities in Palmerston North and Hamilton.

Among the growers who appreciate the level of service and the quality of the seed Carrfields delivers is dairy farmer James Cawte of Te Puke in the Bay of Plenty.

“During the last few years we’ve planted a combination of PAC 456 and PAC 624 across 60 hectares with good consistent results,” says James.

“Both of these hybrids perform very well in our local environment, consistently yielding at least 25t DM/ha. Both are big leafy plants with large cobs that handle our variable conditions without any noticeable impact on overall performance,” says James.

“Other positives that really stand out for us are the lower seed costs per bag, lower planting rates needed to achieve our target yields, the long harvest window and the high quality silage that they produce. We will definitely be growing more again next season,” says James.

Pacific Seeds are also the seeds of choice for contractors Gavin and Mike Litchfield of Te Puke in the Bay of Plenty.

“Pacific Seeds hybrids have been a main part of our hybrid mix for many years. During the last sevenyears we’ve been growing DKC57-83 with great results,” says Mike.

“Last season we grew some PAC 343 and planted and harvested many more acres for ourkey clients. Results from these crops were consistently above the district average with someexceptional yields achieved in a number of crops.”

Gavin says this season plantings of PAC 343 have increased and PAC 432 has been put into the mix as well.

“Both hybrids produced yields that were right up there with the highest yields that we harvested in the district.

“What we like about harvesting PAC hybrids besides the excellent yields, is the lower cost of the seed, the ease of harvest through the combine and also the grain quality.

“We will certainly be growing these two top performing hybrids again next season.”