Growing maize for silage

The starch, energy and intake characteristics of maize silage, together with its high dry matter yield potential, make it a good feed for beef cattle and sheep.

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Wherever it is grown, maize requires attention to detail, from ground preparation right through to ensiling. A good seedbed and careful sowing will give maize the best start. Keeping on top of weeds during establishment helps maximise yield. Field tests can determine the right time to harvest, while consolidation and sealing at the clamp will produce a high-quality feed.

Maize plants are efficient harvesters of sunlight and make excellent use of nutrients applied in spring. However, the crop has gained a bad environmental profile due to soil wash issues and potential nutrient overload. Producers must take actions to mitigate these. Maize silage is a good cereal replacement due to high starch levels, but its protein content is low. If fed with a high-protein component, it can provide a well-balanced, cost-effective feed for beef cattle and sheep at key stages in their production cycle.

Maize is a high-risk crop for soil erosion. This is because the soil is left exposed before the crop establishes and the crop is harvested in autumn with heavy machinery, which can damage soil structure. Selecting appropriate fields is crucial to manage this risk.

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A maize plant needs heat to reach maturity. Crop heat units (also known as Ontario Heat Units) are calculated with equations using maximum and minimum air temperatures. Online heat unit calculators are available to do this. Maize should not be grown in areas that receive less than 2100 heat units. Fields that achieve between 2100 and 2200 would be considered marginal. Any above 2200 are deemed suitable for maize.

Maize does not do well in heavy, wet soils as they take a long time to warm up in spring, which shortens the growing season. Harvesting in autumn can also be a problem on heavier land. Growing maize in light soils increases erosion risk, therefore medium-textured soils are best.