A new variety to suit your region

John Burgess, KWS maize specialist, says all three offer high yields and quality within their respective maturity group.

Konsensus is targeted at growers in mainstream areas aiming for yield and feed value. A new medium early, it is expected to be placed in NIAB group 6. Trials last year saw yields just under 22 tonne per ha DM, 1.5t over its nearest competitor.

“When placed under more marginal conditions outside of its recommended maturity area, Konsensus still gave the best combination of yield and dry matter, achieving 30 per cent dry matter without difficultly,” says Mr Burgess.

Kontender is an earlier variety and offers high yields under more marginal conditions, with the ability to lay down starch early.

Trials in 2008 and 2009 produced 18t per ha DM yield and over 35 per cent starch on marginal sites.

Kentaurus, aimed at growers in marginal regions, is an ultra early hybrid and a likely Group 11 on less favourable sites. It yielded 18t per ha DM in NIAB trials, along with 11.4ME silage and leading starch yields.

“We saw 15 to 17 tonnes per hectare DM yields in very marginal, high altitude conditions, and while plastic should yield more, it failed to stack up cost wise,” he said.

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