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For Shropshire farmer Mark Fitton, good silage is a key pillar for farm profitability, but it still has to be produced in a practical way

Forage stocks are in need of replenishment following previous disappointments

It is well-known that legume crops such as peas and beans benefit from the use of an appropriate inoculant, and now experts suggest it could be the same for maize crops

Maximising methane output is the primary objective when running an anaerobic digester and, for the Channing family, this means growing the most consistent and high-quality maize feedstock across 405 hectares (1,000 acres). Good advice, on-farm analysis and growing the best varieties all play a part in success.

With maize the mainstay of his forage ration, dairy farmer Jon Bult takes no chances and opts for the best early maturing variety for his needs. An early maize harvest allows him to maximise his use of overwinter cover crops, delivering soil health benefits and the bonus of a Sustainable Farming Incentive payment.

Following the poor performance of the 2024 maize crop, earlier maturing varieties could be an option to help maintain feed value

Early maturing maize varieties will be popular this season, so growers should get orders in early to avoid missing out says Dr Simon Pope, maize manager at Wynnstay

With almost 70 varieties on the NIAB UK Descriptive list for forage maize and many new unlisted varieties in trials, selecting the right maize variety can be a potential minefield

New sheep housing and a switch to a maize based TMR have been transformational at Wiltshire College and University Centre's Lackham campus

The results of the first 750 maize silages analysed by Trouw Nutrition GB this year clearly demonstrate the effect of the growing season on feed quality