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Welcome to our Maize growing guide
The introduction to the previous edition of the Maize Guide commented on the fact that our weather is becoming more extreme and less predictable. As the season unfolded, it became only too apparent that the same statement would directly apply to this growing season as well.
Three heatwaves left much of the UK maize growing area in drought. When baked-dry soils were cultivated under difficult conditions, the lumpy seed beds produced were often challenging for germination and establishment of the maize crop. The drought also had a serious impact on grass growth, which put even greater reliance on maize to fill the forage shortfall. Some maize crops were exceptionally good, producing high yields of high quality forage with harvest a month earlier than normal. At the other extreme, severely stressed
crops gave disappointing results. Attention to detail at every step of the way explained the diff erence between the two ends of this scale.
On a very positive note, the new BSPB/NIAB 2026 Forage Maize Descriptive List includes a newultra-early variety suited to both favourable and less-favourable sites. LG31.152 from Limagrain displays class-leading performance, with DM yield equivalent to varieties that are signifi cantly later in maturity. Crops of LG31.152 have produced some extremely good results under difficult conditions in the 2025 season.
Maize Blogs
Discover our range of helpful articles on every aspect of maize growing, written by Wynnstay specialist and guest writers from some of the country's leading providers. Click here to view more.
Early Maize harvest unlocks Cover Crop benefits
In his second year of growing maize in tandem with beans, Jonathan Evans of Berry Hill Farm in Pembrokeshire has learned some valuable lessons, particularly in terms of crop establishment, variety selection and the importance of weed control.
Early maturing maize proves pivotal in rotation
The key to maize fitting into the rotation and also the operational schedule at Swan Farm is the use of a very early maturing variety, with Limagrain’s Gema fitting the bill well for the past two years.
The benefits of using Maize Fungicide
The application of a fungicide to the maize crop can provide excellent control of eyespot and other key diseases.
In addition, the physiological benefits delivered by some active ingredients (e.g. pyraclostrobin) can significantly improve both the yield and quality of maize.