Maize

Maize is a high energy, high dry matter home-grown feed.

When included in diets will increase intakes and have a positive effect on overall yields and milk solids in the dairy herd but equally increased intakes improve daily live weight gain, kill out percentage and fat score in a beef production system.

Maize can be used in spring post-calving where cows have a high demand for energy, but equally as a buffer feed where there is a feed deficit situation (drought etc.)

A more consistent, cost-effective solution to a 2 or 3 cut grass silage system.

Sowing maize under cover with plastic generally costs 200€ an acre more to grow. Although it is essential in certain parts of the country, it is worth considering sowing without plastic.

Open Sow varieties are:

1. Cheaper to grow
2. New varieties are less risky to grow without plastic
3. Weed control is easier
4. More targeted use of fertiliser

So, if you have a good site and you are sowing in time, sow without plastic. Our team are available to talk you through your options