The weather in New Zealand can be a farmer’s nemesis, with regular challenges being thrown up at all times of the year.

Drier-than-normal summers and heavy rain experienced in the winter can limit pasture utilisation leaving farmers more reliant on supplementary feed.

Choosing the right supplement for a pasture-based system is a complex decision and with the cost of imported feed rapidly rising over the last 12 months there are few cost-effective options out there.

However, maize silage grown on-farm, utilising excess nutrients in effluent paddocks, remains a cost-effective option.

At current prices PKE landed on-farm is over 50c/kgDM while maize silage grown in an effluent paddock can be harvested and stacked for under 20c/kgDM.

Maize produces high dry matter yields allowing farmers to increase the total amount of feed harvested from high-cost dairy land. These high yields help remove excess potassium and nitrogen that build up over time in effluent ground.

When it comes to delivering high-quality, cost-effective feed, VPMaxx is excited to introduce two new high yielding hybrids to its line up this season.

In a year where yield matters VP399 (89 CRM) and VP611 (111 CRM) can provide high yields whilst maintaining good quality silage. These two new hybrids have the potential to help farmers grow more feed to utilise when they need it.

VP399 (89 CRM) is a very short maturity hybrid for the upper North Island. It delivers the next level of silage yield performance with a tall, bulky plant with strong roots, stalks, and great drought tolerance. VP399 also has good staygreen which provides harvest flexibility while producing silage with excellent digestibility. It is a widely adapted hybrid and will find its home in the Bay of Plenty.

VP611 (111 CRM) is a full maturity hybrid for the upper North Island and is an imposing, highly productive hybrid. VP611 is a tall, erect-leaf hybrid with very good standability and drought tolerance.

In situations where you want to maximise yield, VP611 has great standability, notable late season foliar health and staygreen delivering a long silage harvest window. It also delivers high grain yields making it a great option for maize silage.

To discuss the benefits of maize silage and to see if either of these two new hybrids are right for you, contact Barry Smallridge - VPMaxx account manager, Bay of Plenty; 027 801 9992 or email bsmallridge@nzsh.co.nz.